Impact of SCBA size and fatigue from different firefighting work cycles on firefighter gait

Quantifying self-contained breathing apparatus on physiology and psychological responses during firefighting: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives. There is no consensus regarding the efficacy of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) on firefighters' physiological and psychological stress responses. This study synthesized and quantified the psycho-physiological demands placed on firefighters wearing SCBA compared to a control group. Methods. Five databases were searched with English-language restrictions from inception to January 2021. As dependent variables, physiological (rectal temperature [T_re], mean skin temperature [T¯sk], heart rate [HR], maximal heart rate [HR_max], maximum oxygen uptake [V_O2max], total sweat rate [TSR]) and psychological (rating of perceived exertion [RPE] and thermal sensation [TS]) responses were continuously collected. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021228363). Results. Nine eligible studies with 289 participants met the inclusion criteria. The pooled estimates for V_O2max statistically significantly decreased, whereas T¯sk, HR, HR_max, TSR and RPE increased significantly. Additionally, the T_re and TS parameters were elevated but not significant. Subgroup analysis revealed that, except for V_O2max and TSR, the SCBA weight did not differ significantly between groups on any outcome measure. Conclusions. Our meta-analysis indicates that wearing SCBA elicits thermoregulatory, metabolic and psychological stress. However, this is not primarily explained by the weight of SCBA, highlighting the value of ergonomic design and physiological monitoring.

Does the fit of personal protective equipment affect functional performance? A systematic review across occupational domains

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of personal protective equipment (PPE) fit on functional performance across a range of occupational domains.

BACKGROUND

PPE introduces an ergonomic, human systems integration, and mass burden to the wearer, and these factors are thought to be amplified if PPE is ill-fitting. However, few studies have considered the role of fit (static, dynamic, and cognitive) when evaluating PPE-related performance detriments in occupational settings.

METHOD

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies, which were then critically appraised based on methodological quality and collated to compare key findings and present evidence-based recommendations for future research directions across a range of occupational domains.

RESULTS

16 published studies met the inclusion criteria, 88% of which found that the fit of PPE had a statistically significant effect on occupational performance. Poorly sized PPE resulted in slower or increased reaction time; decreased range of motion or mobility; decreased endurance or tolerance; decreased pulmonary function; and altered muscle activation. Limited research met the inclusion criteria and those that did had risks of bias in methodology quality.

CONCLUSION

Future research evaluating the effect of PPE on performance in occupational settings should aim to recruit a more representative population; consider sex as a covariate; quantify and evaluate PPE fit and performance when integrated with all relevant equipment items; include outcome measures related to all three categories of fit (static, dynamic, cognitive); and assess performance of operationally relevant tasks.

Biomechanics Analysis of the Firefighters' Thorax Movement on Personal Protective Equipment during Lifting Task Using Inertial Measurement Unit Motion Capture

Back injury is a common musculoskeletal injury reported among firefighters (FFs) due to their nature of work and personal protective equipment (PPE). The nature of the work associated with heavy lifting tasks increases FFs' risk of back injury. This study aimed to assess the biomechanics movement of FFs on personal protective equipment during a lifting task. A set of questionnaires was used to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain experienced by FFs. Inertial measurement unit (IMU) motion capture was used in this study to record the body angle deviation and angular acceleration of FFs' thorax extension. The descriptive analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the FFs' age and body mass index with the FFs' thorax movement during the lifting task with PPE and without PPE. Sixty-three percent of FFs reported lower back pain during work, based on the musculoskeletal pain questionnaire. The biomechanics analysis of thorax angle deviation and angular acceleration has shown that using FFs PPE significantly causes restricted movement and limited mobility for the FFs. As regards human factors, the FFs' age influences the angle deviation while wearing PPE and FFs' BMI influences the angular acceleration without wearing PPE during the lifting activity.