The effect of United States firefighters’ personal protective equipment on mobility and functional task performance: A scoping review

This scoping review aims to synthesize existing evidence investigating the impact of firefighters' personal protective equipment (PPE) on mobility and performance in the United States. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews, five databases were searched, and fifteen articles meeting the criteria were reviewed. Findings revealed that PPE impaired firefighters' dynamic balance (4 of 4 studies), static range of motion (all 4 studies showed various degrees of limitations), gait (3 of 3 studies), and subjective perceptions of comfort and movement ease (5 of 5 studies). In contrast, all studies investigating static balance and firefighting task completion time showed these performances were unaffected, although evidence in these areas remains limited. Factors influencing mobility and performance in PPE included gear fit, design features, wear conditions, and firefighter fitness levels. This review highlighted the importance of high physical fitness among firefighters and the need for end-user wear trials in gear design and evaluation.