Personal protective ensembles' effect on dynamic balance in firefighters.

Background: Firefighting specific personal protective ensembles (PPE) have decreased the number of injuries and illnesses related to exposure to fire products; however nearly half of fire related injuries are musculoskeletal in nature. The external load of the PPE may contribute to balance deficits; placing firefighters at an increased risk of injury.

Objective: To determine the effects of PPE on dynamic balance in firefighters.