Chemical Protective Gear Limits Exercise Capacity
Respiratory and chemical protective equipment used by firefighters and military personnel significantly reduces exercise capacity, according to a new study.
Researchers from Texas measured the effect of the equipment on 22, healthy, active-duty soldiers. Each participant performed three exercises, a minimum of one week apart, wearing different clothing and gear for each test.
When exercising with a chemical protective mask or the full protective suit, participants showed a significant decrease in oxygen uptake and oxygen pulse.
This disaster response-related news brief was derived from new research, presented for the first time at the annual scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians, Chest 2006, held last month in Salt Lake City, Utah.
