Effects of Body Armor Fit on Encumbered Anthropometry Relative to Bulk and Coverage

Abstract

This study focuses on the effect of body armor fit on encumbered anthropometry relative to increased bulk and overall protection coverage versus exposure. Forty male active duty military personnel were measured in five body armor configurations including: Semi-Nude, duty uniform (Baseline), Initial fit, Increased and Decreased size. In general, as the size of the body armor system decreased, so did the bulk. As assumed, bulk was the smallest for the Decreased size, followed by the Initial size, then by the Increased size. In opposition to the study assumption, exposed areas were the smallest in the Decreased configuration around the neck and the under arm. The results suggest that wearing a one size smaller body armor system may provide better protection at vulnerable locations such as at the neck and underarms due to reduced gapping/space in these regions with smaller bulk.