Preventing musculoskeletal injuries in firefighters through physical conditioning programs, applied ergonomics, and occupational health and safety during emergency operations.

Abstract

Musculoskeletal conditions represent one of the main causes of physical limitations and absenteeism among emergency response personnel, with firefighters being one of the most at-risk groups. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the recent scientific literature on effective strategies to prevent these types of injuries, considering three intervention axes: structured physical conditioning, applied ergonomics, and occupational health and safety management during emergency operations. A comprehensive search was conducted in international databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Scielo, covering publications from 2015 to 2025. The selected studies show that functional training programs combined with ergonomic measures and institutional preventive actions significantly reduce the incidence of muscle and joint injuries in operational personnel. In conclusion, scientific evidence supports the implementation of a comprehensive prevention approach based on specific physical preparation, ergonomic adaptation of the work environment, and strengthening a culture of occupational safety, as fundamental pillars for preserving the health and performance of firefighters in physically demanding environments.