Impact of Wearing Body Armor on Lower Body Mobility

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of wearing body armor while walking on lower body mobility using a motion capture system. Seven male participants participated in a walking test while markers were attached to anatomical points on their joints under two garment conditions. The treatment garment was an 18-lb ballistic outer tactical vest with inserted ceramic front and back plates and the control garment was a pair of sports shorts. The walking test was repeated 5 times per subject. Wearing the outer tactical vest significantly increased stance phase, double support, knee flexion, foot plantar flexion at the ankle, and anterior pelvic tilt. Wearing the outer tactical vest significantly decreased swing phase, posterior pelvic tilt, and pelvic rotation. The increase in knee flexion and plantar flexion while wearing the outer tactical vest may accelerate fatigue and increase energy expenditure, which can negatively affect soldiers' performance and safety by increasing injury risk.