Sex-specific differences in fit between two different types of body armour: A pilot study
Introduction. Body armour, whilst improving wearer survivability, can negatively impact physical performance and increase injury risk. These impacts may differ between male and female personnel due to the generic design of armour systems. The aim of this study was to assess sex-specific differences...
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| Format: | Article |
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University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Belgrade
2025-01-01
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| Series: | NBP: Nauka, bezbednost, policija |
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| Online Access: | https://scindeks-clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/0354-8872/2025/0354-88722501064B.pdf |
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| author | Buttner Claire Tiller Sharne-Louise Vollenweider Nash Canetti Elisa Schram Ben Dawes Jay Lockie Robert Orr Robin |
| author_facet | Buttner Claire Tiller Sharne-Louise Vollenweider Nash Canetti Elisa Schram Ben Dawes Jay Lockie Robert Orr Robin |
| author_sort | Buttner Claire |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Introduction. Body armour, whilst improving wearer survivability, can negatively impact physical performance and increase injury risk. These impacts may differ between male and female personnel due to the generic design of armour systems. The aim of this study was to assess sex-specific differences in comfort when wearing military (MBA) and law enforcement (LEBA) body armour. Methods. Using a prospective, within-subjects, repeated measures, randomized cross-over design, 10 police officers (female=6: male=4) wore each set of body armour. After completing a variety of tasks, officers provided feedback on a subjective mannequin sketch and provided free text comments. Results. The heavier MBA received more negative comments than LEBA. The majority of negative comments by female officers referred to: (a) discomfort around the throat and shoulders, particularly when seated (six comments), (b) the vest compressing the utility belt or holster (six comments); (c) compression of the stomach and back (two comments); (d) restrictions in breathing and range of motion (four comments), (e) reduced ability to perform tasks (two comments); and (f) ill-fitting design (two comments). In comparison, male officers reported: (a) discomfort around the shoulders and abdomen (five comments), particularly when seated (three of the five comments); and (b) hip discomfort (e.g., pinching) (two comments). Conclusion. Comfort and fit of body armour should not be considered the same between males and females. Industries need to consider these sex-specific differences in their research and design. Agencies should investigate potential differences between sexes and between systems when purchasing such systems. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-65c3f5b7cf1c4be291304d5c36c9341a |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 0354-8872 2620-0406 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Belgrade |
| record_format | Article |
| series | NBP: Nauka, bezbednost, policija |
| spelling | doaj-art-65c3f5b7cf1c4be291304d5c36c9341a2025-02-05T13:16:09ZengUniversity of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, BelgradeNBP: Nauka, bezbednost, policija0354-88722620-04062025-01-01301647510.5937/nabepo30-532110354-88722501064BSex-specific differences in fit between two different types of body armour: A pilot studyButtner Claire0Tiller Sharne-Louise1Vollenweider Nash2Canetti Elisa3https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8358-398XSchram Ben4https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1865-0488Dawes Jay5https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2668-8873Lockie Robert6https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7038-0294Orr Robin7https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8297-8288Bond University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Gold Coast, QLD, AustraliaBond University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Gold Coast, QLD, AustraliaBond University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Gold Coast, QLD, AustraliaBond University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Gold Coast, QLD, AustraliaBond University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Gold Coast, QLD, AustraliaOklahoma State University, School of Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation, Stillwater, OK, USACalifornia State University, Fullerton, Department of Kinesiology, Fullerton, CA, USABond University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Gold Coast, QLD, AustraliaIntroduction. Body armour, whilst improving wearer survivability, can negatively impact physical performance and increase injury risk. These impacts may differ between male and female personnel due to the generic design of armour systems. The aim of this study was to assess sex-specific differences in comfort when wearing military (MBA) and law enforcement (LEBA) body armour. Methods. Using a prospective, within-subjects, repeated measures, randomized cross-over design, 10 police officers (female=6: male=4) wore each set of body armour. After completing a variety of tasks, officers provided feedback on a subjective mannequin sketch and provided free text comments. Results. The heavier MBA received more negative comments than LEBA. The majority of negative comments by female officers referred to: (a) discomfort around the throat and shoulders, particularly when seated (six comments), (b) the vest compressing the utility belt or holster (six comments); (c) compression of the stomach and back (two comments); (d) restrictions in breathing and range of motion (four comments), (e) reduced ability to perform tasks (two comments); and (f) ill-fitting design (two comments). In comparison, male officers reported: (a) discomfort around the shoulders and abdomen (five comments), particularly when seated (three of the five comments); and (b) hip discomfort (e.g., pinching) (two comments). Conclusion. Comfort and fit of body armour should not be considered the same between males and females. Industries need to consider these sex-specific differences in their research and design. Agencies should investigate potential differences between sexes and between systems when purchasing such systems.https://scindeks-clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/0354-8872/2025/0354-88722501064B.pdflaw enforcementpolicemilitarypersonal protective equipmentballistic vest |
| spellingShingle | Buttner Claire Tiller Sharne-Louise Vollenweider Nash Canetti Elisa Schram Ben Dawes Jay Lockie Robert Orr Robin Sex-specific differences in fit between two different types of body armour: A pilot study NBP: Nauka, bezbednost, policija law enforcement police military personal protective equipment ballistic vest |
| title | Sex-specific differences in fit between two different types of body armour: A pilot study |
| title_full | Sex-specific differences in fit between two different types of body armour: A pilot study |
| title_fullStr | Sex-specific differences in fit between two different types of body armour: A pilot study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Sex-specific differences in fit between two different types of body armour: A pilot study |
| title_short | Sex-specific differences in fit between two different types of body armour: A pilot study |
| title_sort | sex specific differences in fit between two different types of body armour a pilot study |
| topic | law enforcement police military personal protective equipment ballistic vest |
| url | https://scindeks-clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/0354-8872/2025/0354-88722501064B.pdf |
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