Harness Suspension Stress: Physiological and Safety Assessment
Department
Exercise Science and Sport Management
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2019
Abstract
Hanging motionless in a full body harness may result in unwanted events, such as acute hypotension and syncope, which has been termed harness suspension stress (HSS). The etiology of HSS has not been explored, and it is unknown if the type of harness influences the HSS response. Objectives: Evaluate hemodynamics, subjective discomfort, and biological markers of muscle damage during 30-minutes suspension; and evaluate differences between harness attachment (frontal or dorsal). Methods: Heart rate, blood pressure, biological markers of muscle damage, and subjective discomfort were measured. Results: Trial time was shorter in the dorsal versus frontal point of attachment. Hemodynamic shift resulted in the dorsal trial which indicated possible perfusion abnormalities. Conclusions: Hemodynamic adjustments contributed to early termination observed in the dorsal trial. A frontal point of attachment may be more suitable for extended harness exposure.
Journal Title
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Journal ISSN
1076-2752
Volume
61
Issue
1
First Page
35
Last Page
40
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1097/JOM.0000000000001459