Gait Changes and Heat Stress Among Firefighters
How does heat and fatigue affect firefighter gait and balance?
Project description
One of the most common causes of injury among firefighters is slips, trips, and falls (STF) while wearing protective garments. It is assumed that the risk of STF on the fireground increases linearly as the firefighter becomes more fatigued but this has not been tested. This project will test to see how gait changes as the individual becomes hotter and more fatigued while working in protective clothing. It will also test to see if inertial motion units work by the individual performing the work can identify when the individual is at greatest risk of a STF injury.
Project outcome
The student successfully completing this study will have the opportunity to co-author a manuscript and/or present a poster at a scientific meeting.
Project details
| Length of commitment | About 3-5 months |
| Start time | Summer (May/June of 2022) |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In person project |
| Level of collaboration | Small group project (2-3 students) |
| Benefits | Research experience |
| Who is eligible | Junior and senior undergraduate students who have completed anatomy and physiology |
Project mentor
David Hostler
Professor and Chair
Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
Phone: (716) 829-6795
Email: dhostler@buffalo.edu
Start the project
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Preparation activities
The specific preparation activities for this project will be customized through discussions between you and your project mentor. Please be sure to ask them for the instructions to complete the required preparation activities.
Students will have to complete the appropriate CITI training modules, complete readings provided by the PI, and work with lab technicians to learn the skills required for the research.