Summary
To determine the effects of police protective equipment on walking economy and VO2peak, 30 female officers performed two randomized treadmill trials in police protective ensemble (PPE) and physical training ensemble (PTE). The weight of the PPE was (8.5 kg ± 0.6). Exercise consisted of four submaximal (SUB) stages and a progressive phase to measure VO2peak. SUB power output (PO) was higher (13%) in PPE. Absolute VO2 was higher (18-20%) during SUB exercise in PPE. Officers perceived SUB exercise to be more difficult with PPE. Peak PO and VO2 were not different, however subjects exercised longer and ran faster in PTE. While ventilation at VO2peak was unchanged, breathing frequency was higher and tidal volume was lower in PPE (p<0.05). These results show that PPE increases submaximal energy expenditure and decreases maximal exercise performance, and its effects on breathing patterns during maximal exercise are consistent with restriction of the chest wall caused by the protective vest.