Isometric muscle endurance, linear acceleration, and change–of–direction ability: What are the effects of the personal protective equipment used by special military forces?

Objetive

Among military personnel, physical performance is of utmost importance. Tactical forces are required to wear an extra load carriage known as personal protective equipment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of protective equipment on muscle endurance, acceleration, and change-of-direction ability in a sample composed of tactical forces and military personnel while suggesting directions for training recommendations.

Methods

This investigation was a crossover study, and nineteen male police officers were recruited for this analysis. Two visits were conducted with a maximum one-week interval between them, and individuals were randomly assigned to one of the two conditions (personal protective equipment and no-personal protective equipment). The level of significance was set at 5 %.

Results

No significant differences between the conditions were observed for trunk extensor muscle endurance (p = 0.09; ES = 0.26) and change-of-direction ability (p = 0.324; ES = 0.16). It was possible to observe a decline in performance in the isometric pull-up (p = 0.019; ES = 0.38) and the 20-m sprint (p = <0.001; ES = 0.59). Results suggest that isometric muscle endurance and linear acceleration suffer deleterious effects from carrying extra loading.

Conclusions

Practitioners are encouraged to use this information when designing training interventions for this population. Also, this information should be considered when designing personal protective equipment that imposes less of a burden on the body.