An interventional study of Category III PPE suit "COMAT (Matisec, France)" and Category III PPE Suit "EBO-10 (EGO, Czech Republic)" in Healthy Adult, sponsored by Medical University of Graz. Recruiting at 1 site in Austria. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 65 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-07-24.
Sponsored by Medical University of Graz · Not applicable, Interventional, and Other
The purpose of this pilot study is to improve protection of first responders in case of biological disasters (e.g., pandemics, biotoxin incidents). For this goal we will compare two different kinds of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used for a variety of exercises simulating activities of first responders in the field at two different environmental temperature profiles in a randomized cross-over study design. The goal is to find the best possible compromise between protection and ergonomics as well as to determine potential factors that might limit the performance of first responders while wearing PPE. This should provide guidance for future improvement of PPE and how biosensors for monitoring heart rate and body temperature in combination with AI models may reduce risk for first responders in the field.
During three cycles of simulated work physiological parameters such as heart rate, body temperature and fluid loss as well as fine motor skills, error rate and reaction time will be monitored, complemented with a questionnaire on comfort and wellbeing after each cycle.
The study will be open to employees or students of:
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants wearing Category III PPE suit 1 or 2 perform 3 cycles of 6 tasks at 20-24°C
Other: Category III PPE suit "COMAT (Matisec, France)" · Other: Category III PPE Suit "EBO-10 (EGO, Czech Republic)"
Participants wearing Category III PPE suit 1 or 2 perform 3 cycles of 6 tasks at 30-34°C
Other: Category III PPE suit "COMAT (Matisec, France)" · Other: Category III PPE Suit "EBO-10 (EGO, Czech Republic)"
3 cycles of 6 different tasks at 2 different temperatures will be performed wearing the following Category III PPE suit: COMAT from Matisec, France. This suit will be worn with a face mask (Draeger) equipped with a P3 filter, as well as rubber boots and 2 layers of nitrile gloves.
3 cycles of 6 different tasks at 2 different temperatures will be performed wearing the following Category III PPE suit: EBO-10 from EGO, Czech Republic. This suit is a full body ventilated suit with powered air purifying respirators, and will be worn with rubber boots and 2 layers of nitrile gloves.
Body weight
Mean change in body weight (kg) after completion/termination of the test
Time frame: Baseline and at completion/termination (max. 6 hours after start)
Heart rate
Heart rate is measured using a blood pressure cuff before and after the test, as well as using sensors strapped next to the skin during the test.
Time frame: Baseline, continuously during the test, and after completion of test (max 6 hours)
Blood pressure
Blood pressure is measured using a blood pressure cuff.
Time frame: Baseline and after completion of test (max 6 hours)
Weight of Category III PPE suit
Weight of suit in kg at before and after the test to assess fluid loss.
Time frame: Baseline and after completion of test (max 6 hours)
Body temperature
Body temperature in °C is measured using an in-ear thermometer before and after the test, as well as using sensors next to the skin during the test.
Time frame: Baseline, during the test, and after completion of test (max 6 hours)
Humidity
Humidity is measured using sensors next to the skin.
Time frame: For the duration of the test (max 6 hours)
Mean reaction time
Reaction time is measured using the ReactionX app, with 4 sensors that light up intermittently.
Time frame: 10 minutes
Semi-quantitative questionnaire on subjective wellbeing
The questionnaire uses a scale of 0-10 and is the last task in each of the 3 cycles of 6 tasks.
Time frame: 5 min
Resilience scale questionnaire RS-13
The internationally standardized questionnaire assesses psychological stress level, using a scale of 0-7 (do not agree - completely agree). It is completed before starting the test, and after completion or termination of test (after max 6 hours).
Time frame: 5 min
Error rate
Error rate is assessed by matching coloured and numbered caps to matching tubes and sorting them into predefined positions into a 81-position sample box. Number of errors is documented.
Time frame: Max 20 min
Fine motor skills
Fine motor skills are assessed by matching coloured and numbered caps to matching tubes and sorting them into predefined positions in an 81-position sample box. Time needed to complete the task is documented.
Time frame: Max 20 min
Plan to share: No
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Medical University of Graz