Firefighter Turnout Suit Weight Influences Simulated Exercise Performance

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate how structural firefighter protective ensemble weight influences rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during firefighter simulated exercise (FFSE). METHODS: 10 active firefighters (age: 33±6 years, Ht:178.2±3.1 cm, Wt:78.6±16.7 kg) were asked to wear, in random order, two ensembles: 1) a single layer (SL) outer shell (2.45 kg) and 2) a traditional turnout suit (4.57 kg). On each laboratory visit, the firefighters performed the FFSE that consisted of two rounds of a 15.24m hose advance, a 15.24m weighted (40.83 kg) carry, sledge hammer exercise, a 15.24m tire flip, a 15.24m dummy drag, rope pull, and unweighted stair climb, with a 1-minute rest period between rounds. The FFSE included a 5-minute acclimation period in the ensemble, a warm up (10 pushups, 10 squats, 20 jumping jacks). Subjects were asked to complete the FFSE as fast as possible. The traditional turnout suit consisted of an outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal barrier typically found in most turnout suits. The Borg rating of perceived exertion scale was asked immediately at the end of each round of FFSE and ensemble weights were measured pre-FFSE. RESULTS: The SL resulted in lower average RPE for round 1 (SL: 12.8±1.7 vs. Traditional: 13.8±1.7; p=0.05) and round 2 (SL: 14.2±1.6 vs. Traditional: 16.2±2.3, p=0.01) than the traditional turnout. In addition, round 2 of the FFSE was completed significantly faster than the traditional turnout suit (SL: 262.8±55.7 vs. Traditional: 293.4±64.9 sec; p =0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The weight of the turnout suit increases RPE, which appears to influence performance for FFSE. Supported by Fire-Dex, LLC.