ENERGY COST AND COMFORT OF WALKING IN THE DIRECT MOLDED SOLE BOOT WITH ANTI-PERSONNEL MINE SHANK
Abstract
The energy cost and comfort of walking in two types of footgear were investigated. The footgear were the direct molded sole leather combat boot incorporating solid case aluminum wedge shape shank (to simulate hollow stainless steel shank designed for protection against antipersonnel mines) and the conventional Good Year welt leather combat boot, incorporating regular flat steel spring shank. Six male subjects walked at speeds of 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 m.p.h. at grades of 0, 4, 8, and 10 degrees. Each subject was tested twice in each type of footgear at each speedgrade combination. Altogether 288 tests were made. Gross energy cost was calculated from oxygen consumption (closed circuit method) and expressed in gm.cal./kg./min. Comfort or discomfort was evaluated by the subjects. There was no statistically significant difference in energy cost of walking in the anti-mine and conventional combat boots. Subjects unanimously reported that the anti-mine boots were more comfortable than the conventional ones. This was mainly because the former could be fitted better by lacing, while the same could not be achieved in conventional boots which had straps and buckles. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 28, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0259097
Entities
People
- Peter V. Karpovich
- Philip D. Gollnick
- Sharpe James
Organizations
- Springfield College