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Personal protective ensembles' effect on dynamic balance in firefighters
Kenneth E Games1, Alexander J Csiernik2, Zachary K Winkelmann1
1Tactical Athlete Research and Education Center, Department of Applied Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, USA.
Work (Reading, Mass.)
|March 26, 2019
Summary
Firefighting personal protective ensembles (PPE) significantly impair dynamic balance, increasing injury risk. Strategies are needed to mitigate these effects during duty.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Biomechanics
- Firefighter Safety
Background:
- Firefighter personal protective ensembles (PPE) reduce exposure risks but contribute to musculoskeletal injuries.
- The external load of PPE may cause balance deficits, elevating firefighter injury risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of firefighting PPE on firefighters' dynamic balance.
Main Methods:
- Forty male firefighters performed dynamic balance tests.
- Tests were conducted in station attire and while wearing firefighting PPE (23.8±2.1 kg).
- Dynamic balance was assessed using the Y Balance Test, measuring anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reaches.
Main Results:
- Addition of PPE significantly worsened dynamic balance across all measured reach directions.
- Negative alterations were observed in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reaches for both limbs.
Conclusions:
- Firefighting PPE negatively affects dynamic balance in firefighters.
- Proactive injury reduction strategies are recommended to address PPE's influence on work-related tasks.