Ergonomic Assessment of Structural Firefighter Turnout Suit Designs for Improved Mobility

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to design a novel turnout suit for improved mobility based on firefighter user needs. A wear trial assessment was performed to investigate the differences in range of motion (ROM), ease of movement, and comfort of a novel structural firefighter turnout suit versus existing suit models on the market today. Ten healthy firefighters wore three different turnout suits while their ROM was measured using electro-goniometers worn against the skin in the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee joints. Perceived ease of movement ratings were gathered for 13 static joint exercises. A subjective perception survey was administered after completing the static protocol in each suit. A dynamometer measured peak force and torque in the elbow, knee, and shoulder joints. Results indicate significant differences occurred between the suits for perceived ease of movement ratings and hip ROM.