Active Range of Motion with Individual Protective Equipment: Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and Levels B and A Configurations

The purpose of this investigation was to quantify active range of motion (AROM) of individuals performing head, upper body, and leg movements with and without personal protective equipment with a focus on Levels B and A protection categories. Fifteen volunteers aged 33 +/- 6 yr (mean +/- SD) completed head, upper body, and lower body exercises to assess AROM under the following conditions of individual protective equipment (IPE) wear: no IPE, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and Levels B and A protective items. Head AROM was not substantially affected while wearing the SCBA, but AROM performance was reduced for both Levels B and A protection conditions. Upper body movement restrictions due to SCBA and Levels B and A conditions were evident for most AROM activities but were greatest during thoracic flexion and rotation. Comparisons in AROM results among IPE conditions suggest that the SCBA system was the overriding influence in restricting thoracic movements. Even though substantial decrements in performance were found for specific head and upper body AROM variables, few IPE-imposed restrictions on lower body movements were observed. The original document contains color images. All DTIC reproductions will be in black and white.