Impact of firefighter gear on lower body range of motion

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the incremental impact of firefighter’s personal protective equipment (PPE) on lower body range of motion (ROM) while walking to suggest areas of design improvement for enhanced mobility and safety. Design/methodology/approach – Eight male and four female firefighters participated in the study. Lower body ROM was assessed while they walked in four different configurations of PPE, including turnout ensemble, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and boots. The impact of each added PPE item, and gender differences were statistically analyzed. Findings – Wearing firefighter turnout ensemble and SCBA reduced ROM in the lower body in the sagittal and transverse planes. A significant reduction in ROM for anterior-posterior movement at the ankle and the ball of the foot was found while wearing rubber boots with turnout ensemble and SCBA. This puts firefighters at higher risk of experiencing foot injuries and physical strains. A significant increase in medial-lateral movement of the foot while wearing rubber boots may increase risk of ankle sprains. A greater reduction in ROM at the ankle and the ball of the foot for female firefighters may imply greater risk for women compared to men, while wearing boots. Practical implications – Reducing the inflexibility and bulkiness of boots is critical to improve firefighter’s lower body mobility and safety. Originality/value – This study implemented 3-D motion capture technology to analyze how wearing firefighting gear impacted lower body motion. It provides quantitative evidence to recommend ergonomic boot re-design.

Work boot design affects the way workers walk: A systematic review of the literature

“…One of the few studies in this field revealed shaft height could influence an individual's foot and ankle range of motion thereby altering lower limb mobility while walking. Walking in pull-up bunker firefighting boots (see Figure 4), compared to low-cut running shoes, significantly reduced ball of foot flexion-extension and ankle plantar flexion-dorsiflexion range of motion (in both directions) in the sagittal plane (8 male and 4 female firefighters; Park et al, 2015). Ball of foot and ankle range of motion are vital during walking as these movements facilitate push-off for pre-swing, clearing the ground during mid-swing and absorption of the ground reaction force during initial contact (Whittle, 2007).…”

“…Ball of foot and ankle range of motion are vital during walking as these movements facilitate push-off for pre-swing, clearing the ground during mid-swing and absorption of the ground reaction force during initial contact (Whittle, 2007). Limited range of motion during these phases could lead to an abnormal walking pattern where stumbling and falling are likely to occur, particularly on uneven surfaces typically seen in occupations where high shafted work boots are mandatory (Park et al, 2015). Conversely, the higher shafted firefighting boot led to increased ball of foot abduction-adduction and ankle inversion-eversion range of motion in the frontal plane compared to when the participants wore the running shoe (Park et al, 2015).…”

Investigation of Female Firefighter Fit and Ergonomics in Structural Turnout Suits

“…Improper fitting structural turnout suits for female firefighters may lead to restricted range-of-motion (ROM) and mobility when performing critical tasks, especially in the chest and hip areas, where body dimensions vary greatly between men and women (SizeUSA, 2003). Previous research (Langseth-Schmidt, 2014;Park et al, 2014) has been limited, however, as it has not considered female firefighter user needs for the full structural turnout ensemble, including turnout coat, pants, thermal hood, helmet, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Therefore, the purpose of this research project was to assess current issues of improper fit and garment design for female firefighters when wearing a structural turnout ensemble.…”

“…Each subject then conducted a ROM protocol while wearing all three garment configurations. Subjects were asked to bring and wear their own individual set of turnout gear (turnout coat, pants, thermal hood, helmet, and SCBA) (Park et al, 2014). Garment sizing information was recorded for each individual participant's ensemble elements.…”

“…Despite the growing number of women in firefighting, structural turnout suits are predominately designed and manufactured to fit the male human form (Boorady et al, 2013;Park et al, 2014). According to, "A National Report Card on Women in Firefighting," 80% of female firefighters experience issues with ill-fitting PPE, which is four times greater than men's self-reported poor fit (20.9%) (Hulett, Bendick, Thomas, & Moccio, 2008).Physical gender differences in human form have been published demonstrating significant variances between males and females.…”