The Cost Of Safety: Movements Limited By Police Protective Gear

Title: THE EFFECT OF POLICE OFFICER PROTECTIVE GEAR ON MOBILITY, STABILITY, AND POWER GENERATION Authors: Katherine A Frick, Philip Agostinelli, Nicholas Bordonie, Frances Neal, Dr. Brooks Mobley, Dr. JoEllen Sefton Institutions: Auburn University Abstract: PURPOSE: Protective gear is a critical part of the police officer uniform. The 9 kg + gear is cumbersome due to its rigidity and bulk, creating physical performance deficits. Mobility, balance, and power generation are essential to completion of an officer’s daily tasks. Few studies have assessed the effect of police protective gear on these important capabilities. Understanding the change in physical capabilities resulting from protective gear is critical to the safety and survival of the police officer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of protective gear on officer capabilities. METHODS: Police officers from a medium-sized city volunteered for this study (male = 68, female = 4; ages 21-65). Officers completed an 11-point assessment evaluating power generation, balance, functional movement, and flexibility in two conditions: athletic attire (No Gear) and uniform + protective equipment (Gear). Paired t-tests were conducted to evaluate police officers' movement capabilities in each condition. Balance testing analysis indicates officers in gear have significantly decreased stability in path length and mean velocity, but comparisons of standard ellipse areas indicated officers are able to compensate for this instability. SUMMARY OF RESULTS: Results indicate a significant decrease in performance in: vertical jump height (t71 = 13.51, p > 0.001), power generation per kg (t71 = 7.13, p > 0.001), modified pushup (t71 = 3.17, p = 0.002), overhead squat (t71 = 2.43, p = 0.018), and sit-and-reach length (t71 = 12.41, p > 0.001). Decreased physical capability in balance, mobility and power generation were apparent when comparing the “Gear” and “No-Gear” conditions. CONCLUSION: Decreased on-duty performance can affect officer safety and success. These results indicate the need for continued evaluation and improvement of police officer safety equipment to ensure mobility and safety. Grant or funding information: None Generative AI statement: None used