Physical Fitness Training to Improve the Manual Handling Capability of Women.
Abstract
This annual report provides preliminary data on a study examining the influence of a combined resistance and aerobic training program on the manual material handling (MMH) capability and road marching performance of female soldiers, subjects were 21 female soldiers, 13 of which completed all phases of the investigation. They trained for 14 weeks, performing progressive resistance training 3 days per week, and running and interval training 2 days per week. Compared to values obtained before training, soldiers increased the maximum mass they could lift from floor to knuckle height by 19% (68 to 81 kg, p<O.OO1) and from floor to chest height by 16% (49 to 57 kg, p<O.OO1). They improved by 17% their ability to lift 15 kg as many times as possible in lO-min (167 to 195 lifts, p<O.OO1). They improved by 4% their maximal effort road march time over a 5 km distance, carrying a 23-kg load mass (44.7 to 43.1 min, p-O.O2). Data analysis is still ongoing. These preliminary findings indicate that a short term physical fitness program, conducted about 1 hour per day, 5 days per week can substantially improve female soldier's MMH capability and can result in a small improvement in road marching ability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA301047
Entities
People
- Joseph J Knapik
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory