A Combination of Biomechanical and Physiological Approaches for Determination of Optimal Load Distribution
Abstract
France is developing an integrated soldier ensemble that will improve soldier protection survivability and sustainability. Improvement of the soldier's load carrying capacity remains an important step that will contribute to the maintenance of good health and protection against the side effects induced by soldier systems. A number of factors can influence the energy cost associated with locomotion. The aim of many studies has been to determine the level of oxygen uptake that can be maintained without physical fatigue. A myriad of kinematic and kinetic parameters may directly or indirectly influence the energy cost of locomotion, especially when subjects are walking with loaded backpacks. While the metabolic energy cost of human movement is easy to estimate by die global measure of total body oxygen consumption (V02) a variety of computational techniques have been suggested as appropriate for the calculation of mechanical power. The changes in energy of the centre of mass (via ground reaction forces) have been frequently used to estimate the mechanical power of locomotion. One limitation of these measures is that they do not include the work done in moving the limbs and arms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADP010989
Entities
People
- A. X. Bigard