Affiliations: [a] Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada | [b] University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK | [c] Survival Systems Ltd., Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Dr. John Kozey, School of Health and Human Performance, 6230 South Street, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H 3J5. Tel.: +1 902 494 1148; Fax: +1 902 494 5120; E-mail: John.Kozey@dal.ca
Abstract: This study provides information on the affects of immersion suit wear on the maximum reach envelope of industrial offshore workers. In this study the total maximum reach envelope was measured using a computerized potentiometric system which records the 3-dimensional reach volume. The reach volume was then partitioned into vertical and horizontal sectors to closely examine the effect of the suit on the reach. Specific regions of the maximum reach envelope were significantly affected by the use of the suit. The changes were documented in terms of the linear changes in vertical reach and angular changes in shoulder motion.