Road March Performance of Special Operations Soldiers Carrying Various Loads and Load Distributions
Abstract
This study examined the influence of load and load distribution on road march performance. Subjects were 21 Special Forces Soldiers who performed six individual road marches carrying three loads (34, 48 and 61 kg) and two pack systems (ALICE pack and an experimental double-pack). All marches were 20 km in length and soldiers were asked to complete the distance as rapidly as possible. Heart rates were monitored continuously during the march. Before and after each march, soldiers completed questionnaires and performed a series of tasks to evaluate cognitive ability and performance on typical soldier tasks. At the end of each march soldiers' feet were examined for injuries. Results indicated that march times increased as loads increased and march times were faster with the ALICE pack than with the double-pack. Heart rate while marching was lower for double-pack even after adjustment for march time suggesting a lower energy expenditure. The double-pack resulted in less low back discomfort and a lower incidence of blisters at the highest load but also resulted in more discomfort in the neck and hips and more heat illness symptoms. Neither load nor load distribution affected soldiers' cognitive ability or performance on marksmanship tasks, grenade throw, leg strength, hand-grip strength or obstacle course. On the other hand, the march itself (independent of load and load distribution) resulted in decrements in marksmanship ability (vertical shot group dispersion), leg strength and time to complete the obstacle course. Backpack, Double-pack, Exertion, Injuries, Obstacle course, Marksmanship, Synthetic work environment test, Profile of mood states, Environment symptoms Questionnaire, Pain soreness and discomfort questionnaire, Energy expenditure, Muscle contraction, Physical fitness
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA269198
Entities
People
- Carolyn Bensel
- Herbert Meiselman
- Joseph J Knapik
- Philip Ang
- Richard Johnson
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine