The Pandolf load carriage equation is a poor predictor of metabolic rate while wearing explosive ordnance disposal protective clothing.
This investigation aimed to quantify metabolic rate when wearing an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) ensemble (~33kg) during standing and locomotion; and determine whether the Pandolf load carriage equation accurately predicts metabolic rate when wearing an EOD ensemble during standing and locomotion. Ten males completed 8 trials with metabolic rate measured through indirect calorimetry. Walking in EOD at 2.5, 4.0 and 5.5km·h-1was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than matched trials without the EOD ensemble by 49% (127W), 65% (213W) and 78% (345W), respectively. Mean bias (95% limits of agreement) between predicted and measured metabolism during standing, 2.5, 4 and 5.5km·h-1were 47W (19 to 75W); -111W (-172 to -49W); -122W (-189 to -54W) and -158W (-245 to -72W), respectively. The Pandolf equation significantly underestimated measured metabolic rate during locomotion. These findings have practical implications for EOD technicians during training and operation and should be considered when developing maximum workload duration models and work-rest schedules. Practitioner Summary: Using a rigorous methodological design we quantified metabolic rate of wearing EOD clothing during locomotion. For the first time we demonstrated that metabolic rate when wearing this ensemble is greater than that predicted by the Pandolf equation. These original findings have significant implications for EOD training and operation.
a School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia.
Aaron J E
AJ
Bach
a School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia.|b Extreme Environments Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Science , University of Portsmouth , Portsmouth , UK.
Joseph T
JT
Costello
a School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia.
David N
DN
Borg
a School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia.
Ian B
IB
Stewart
D000328:Adult; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D053834:Explosive Agents; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D055686:Metabolic Equivalent; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D011481:Protective Clothing; D016474:Weight-Bearing; D055815:Young Adult
D053834:Explosive Agents
Metabolism; military ergonomics; occupational; personal protective equipment; predictive equation