Energy cost of stepping in protective clothing ensembles.

This study investigated the effect of protective clothing ensembles (against chemical agent and cold weather) on the energy cost of a bench stepping task (20 steps/min on a 0·305 m high bench). Twelve male soldiers (mean age 25·5 years; mean weight 75·4 kg) performed the task at an ambient temperature of 10°C in each of the following clothing ensembles: A, military combat clothing; B, as A plus chemical agent protective clothing; C, as B plus long underwear and quilted thermal jacket liner, D, as C plus quilted thermal trouser liners. Determinations were made of oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O2) (as a measure of energy cost), heart rate (HR) and subjective rating of perceived exertion from the Borg scale (RPE). All variables showed a clear trend towards increasing with the amount of clothing worn and were significantly increased by the protective clothing ensembles (B, C and D). [Vdot]O2(1/min)was 1·85,1·99,2·05 and 2·13 during stepping in Ensembles A, B, C and D, respectively. These increases were proportion...