A study of in-shoe plantar pressure distribution while firefighters carrying self-contained breathing apparatus in walking and running

Walking and running with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) are the most common activities among firefighters, but the effect of SCBA carriage on the plantar pressure distribution remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to analyze plantar pressure distribution while carrying SCBA during walking and running.

Thirty volunteer firefighters participated in the walking and running tasks with no SCBA equipped and SCBA carrying conditions. Data of plantar pressure parameters, including peak pressures and pressure–time integrals, were recorded by Pedar-X in-shoe system in participants’ walking and running processes. Also, the pressures in each region during gait cycle were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using repeated measures analysis of variance (p < 0.05).

Peak pressures in all regions except for the great toe and medial metatarsal regions were higher in the SCBA carrying condition than in the no SCBA equipped condition. Running with SCBA reduced peak pressures in the midfoot region, while increasing peak pressures and pressure–time integrals in the toe, metatarsal, and heel regions compared to walking with SCBA. In addition, compared to the no SCBA equipped, the maximum peak pressure shifted from the great toes to the lateral toes in the toe region, from the medial metatarsal to the lateral metatarsal in the metatarsal region, and from the lateral arch to the medial arch in the midfoot region when carrying SCBA. The results provide an initial baseline for the development of firefighting boots aiming to increase comfort and performance during activities.