Physical Exertion Diminishes Static and Dynamic Balance in Firefighters

in International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training

Click name to view affiliation

Kenneth E. GamesIndiana State University

Search for other papers by Kenneth E. Games in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
*
,
Zachary K. WinkelmannUniversity of South Carolina

Search for other papers by Zachary K. Winkelmann in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
*
, and
Lindsey E. EbermanIndiana State University

Search for other papers by Lindsey E. Eberman in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
*
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/ijatt.2019-0063
Keywords:
force plate; tactical athlete; Y-balance
First Published Online:
05 May 2020
In Print:
Volume 25: Issue 6
Page Range:
318–322
Restricted access

Half of all work-related injuries in the fire service are musculoskeletal-based due to slips, trips, and overexertion. This study evaluated the effects of physical exertion on balance in firefighters. Forty-one firefighters completed a physical exertion protocol with static and dynamic balance assessments while in personal protective equipment. Following the physical exertion protocol, we identified a significant decrease in anterior reach of the right limb, and significant increases in rectangular displacement area in both double- and single-legged stances. Balance is diminished in firefighters wearing personal protective equipment after engaging in a short bout of physical activity, suggesting a potential risk factor for lower extremity injury in the fire service.

Games and Eberman are with the Neuromechanics, Interventions, and Continuing Education Research (NICER) Laboratory, Department of Applied Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, USA. Winkelmann is with the Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.

Winkelmann (winkelz@mailbox.sc.edu) is corresponding author.
  • Collapse
  • Expand

International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training

Cover International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training
  • 1.

    Sefton JM, Burkhardt TA. Introduction to the tactical athlete special issue. J Athl Train. 2016;51(11):845–845. PubMed ID: 28068161 doi:10.4085/1062-6050-51.12.16

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 2.

    Karter MJ, Molis JL. US firefighter injuries-2013. NFPA J. 2014;Available at https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/NFPA-Journal/2014/November-December-2014/Features/US-Firefighter-Injuries-in-2013.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 3.

    Guidotti TL, Clough VM. Occupational health concerns of firefighting. Ann Rev Public Health. 1992;13(1):151–171. doi:10.1146/annurev.pu.13.050192.001055

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 4.

    Park H, Park J, Lin SH, Boorady LM. Assessment of Firefighters’ needs for personal protective equipment. Fashion Tex. 2014;1(1):8. doi:10.1186/s40691-014-0008-3

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 5.

    Campbell RB. Patterns of Firefighter FiregroundInjuries. Quincy, MA: Fire Analysis and Research Division, National Fire Protection Association; 2016.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 6.

    Campbell R. US Firefighter Injuries on the Fireground, 2010–2014. Fire Technol. 2018;54(2):461–477. doi:10.1007/s10694-017-0692-9

  • 7.

    Kong PW, Beauchamp G, Suyama J, Hostler D. Effect of fatigue and hypohydration on gait characteristics during treadmill exercise in the heat while wearing firefighter thermal protective clothing. Gait Posture. 2010;31(2):284–288. PubMed ID: 19962897 doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2009.11.006

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 8.

    Kong PW, Suyama J, Cham R, Hostler D. The relationship between physical activity and thermal protective clothing on functional balance in firefighters. Res Q Exerc Sport. 2012;83(4):546–552. PubMed ID: 23367817 doi:10.1080/02701367.2012.10599144

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 9.

    Kong PW, Suyama J, Hostler D. A review of risk factors of accidental slips, trips, and falls among firefighters. Safety Sci. 2013;60:203–209. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2013.07.016

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 10.

    Takeyama H, Itani T, Tachi N, et al. Effects of shift schedules on fatigue and physiological functions among firefighters during night duty. Ergonomics. 2005;48(1):1–11. PubMed ID: 15764302 doi:10.1080/00140130412331303920

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 11.

    Haynes HJ, Molis JL. US Firefighter Injuries-2015. Quincy, MA: Fire Analysis and Research Division, National Fire Protection Association; 2015.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 12.

    Taylor NA, Lewis MC, Notley SR, Peoples GE. A fractionation of the physiological burden of the personal protective equipment worn by firefighters. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012;112(8):2913–2921. PubMed ID: 22143844 doi:10.1007/s00421-011-2267-7

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 13.

    Park H, Kim S, Morris K, Moukperian M, Moon Y, Stull J. Effect of firefighters’ personal protective equipment on gait. Appl Ergon. 2015;48:42–48. PubMed ID: 25683530 doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2014.11.001

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 14.

    Punakallio A, Lusa S, Luukkonen R. Protective equipment affects balance abilities differently in younger and older firefighters. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2003;74(11):1151–1156.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 15.

    Horn GP, Kesler RM, Hsiao-Wecksler ET, Motl RW, Rosengren KS, Fernhall B. Effect of SCBA Design and Firefighting Induced Fatigue on Balance, Gait and Safety of Movement. Urbana, IL:Illinois Fire Service Institute, University of Illinois; 2015.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 16.

    Chiou SS, Turner N, Zwiener J, Weaver DL, Haskell WE. Effect of boot weight and sole flexibility on gait and physiological responses of firefighters in stepping over obstacles. Hum Factors. 2012;54(3):373–386. PubMed ID: 22768640 doi:10.1177/0018720811433464

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 17.

    Games KE, Csiernik AJ, Winkelmann ZK, True JR, Eberman LE. Personal protective ensembles’ effect on dynamic balance in firefighters. Work. 2019;62(3):507–514. PubMed ID: 30909266 doi:10.3233/WOR-192885

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 18.

    Petrucci MN, Horn GP, Rosengren KS, Hsiao-Wecksler ET. Inaccuracy of affordance judgments for firefighters wearing personal protective equipment. Ecol Psychol. 2016;28(2):108–126. doi:10.1080/10407413.2016.1163987

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 19.

    Hale SA, Hertel J. Reliability and sensitivity of the Foot and Ankle Disability Index in subjects with chronic ankle instability. J Athl Train. 2005;40(1):35. PubMed ID: 15902322

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 20.

    Hoffman M, Schrader J, Applegate T, Koceja D. Unilateral postural control of the functionally dominant and nondominant extremities of healthy subjects. J Athl Train. 1998;33(4):319. PubMed ID: 16558528

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 21.

    Cortes N, Quammen D, Lucci S, Greska E, Onate J. A functional agility short-term fatigue protocol changes lower extremity mechanics. J Sports Sci. 2012;30(8):797–805. PubMed ID: 22424559 doi:10.1080/02640414.2012.671528

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 22.

    Wilke J, Fleckenstein J, Krause F, Vogt L, Banzer W. Sport-specific functional movement can simulate aspects of neuromuscular fatigue occurring in team sports. Sports Biomech. 2016;15(2):151–161. PubMed ID: 27052636 doi:10.1080/14763141.2016.1159322

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 23.

    Quammen D, Cortes N, Van Lunen BL, Lucci S, Ringleb SI, Onate J. Two different fatigue protocols and lower extremity motion patterns during a stop-jump task. J Athl Train. 2012;47(1):32–41. PubMed ID: 22488228 doi:10.4085/1062-6050-47.1.32

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 24.

    Plisky PJ, Gorman PP, Butler RJ, Kiesel KB, Underwood FB, Elkins B. The reliability of an instrumented device for measuring components of the star excursion balance test. N Am J Sports Phys Ther. 2009;4(2):92. PubMed ID: 21509114

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 25.

    Shaffer SW, Teyhen DS, Lorenson CL, et al. Y-balance test: A reliability study involving multiple raters. Mil Med. 2013;178(11):1264–1270. PubMed ID: 24183777 doi:10.7205/MILMED-D-13-00222

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 26.

    Coughlan GF, Fullam K, Delahunt E, Gissane C, Caulfield BM. A comparison between performance on selected directions of the star excursion balance test and the Y balance test. J Athl Train. 2012;47(4):366–371. PubMed ID: 22889651 doi:10.4085/1062-6050-47.4.03

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 27.

    Powden CJ, Dodds TK, Gabriel EH. The Reliability of the Star Excursion Balance Test and Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2019;14(5):683–694. PubMed ID: 31598406 doi:10.26603/ijspt20190683

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 28.

    Rosengren KS, Hsiao-Wecksler ET, Horn G. Fighting fires without falling: Effects of equipment design and fatigue on firefighter’s balance and gait. Ecol Psychol. 2014;26(1–2):167–175. doi:10.1080/10407413.2014.875357

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 29.

    Sy JF, Horn GP, Kesler RM, Petrucci MN, Park K, Hsiao-Wecksler E. Assessing Gait Changes in Firefighters Due to Fatigue and Asymmetric Load Carriage. Omaha, NE: American Society of Biomechanics; September 4–7, 2013.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 30.

    Park K, Rosengren KS, Horn GP, Smith DL, Hsiao-Wecksler ET. Assessing gait changes in firefighters due to fatigue and protective clothing. Safety Sci. 2011;49(5):719–726. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2011.01.012

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 31.

    Kesler RM, Horn GP, Rosengren KS, Hsiao-Wecksler ET. Analysis of foot clearance in firefighters during ascent and descent of stairs. Appl Ergon. 2016;52:18–23. PubMed ID: 26360190 doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2015.05.011

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 1456 784 115
Full Text Views 209 2 0
PDF Downloads 109 3 0