A Physiological and Biomechanical Evaluation of Commercial Load-Bearing Ensembles for the U.S. Marine Corps.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate 13 commercial load-bearing ensembles (LBE) in relation to the ALICE pack to determine the best load-to-individual interface for use by the U.S. Marine Corps. Each LBE was evaluated biomechanically (gait and electromyographically), physiologically (heart rate and oxygen uptake), and subjectively (perceived exertion and LBE preference). Subjects (n = 14) carried 100 lbs for 4 hr (50/10 walk/rest) at 2.5 mph and 2% grade. Physiological parameters increased over time but were not pack specific. Subjects rated the internal-frame design as superior. Internal-flame designs shifted the weight from the back muscles to leg muscles more than external-frame designs. The forward trunk lean was not pack specific at this weight. An internal-frame design (center-of-mass close to body) incorporating adjustments for fit (torso length) and load stabilization while carrying warfighting supplies (replace load-carriage vest) would be the optimal choice for a new LBE for the U.S. Marine Corps.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 14, 1996
Accession Number
ADA311057

Entities

People

  • Donald E. Roberts
  • James A. Hodgdon
  • James E. Reading
  • Janine L. Daley
  • Robert S. Pozos

Organizations

  • Naval Health Research Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Arm Bones
  • Biomechanics
  • Biomedical Research
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Computers
  • Databases
  • Ear
  • Embryos
  • Heart Rate
  • Marine Corps
  • Measurement
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Operations
  • Musculoskeletal Physiology
  • Pain
  • Statistical Analysis

Readers

  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.