Soldier Load Carriage, Injuries, Rehabilitation and Physical Conditioning: An International Approach

Orr, R., Pope, R., Lopes, T. J. A., Leyk, D., Blacker, S. D., Bustillo-Aguirre, B. S. and Knapik, J. J. (2021) Soldier Load Carriage, Injuries, Rehabilitation and Physical Conditioning: An International Approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (8). ISSN 1660-4601

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Abstract

Soldiers are often required to carry heavy loads that can exceed 45 kg. The physiological costs and biomechanical responses to these loads, whilst varying with the contexts in which they are carried, have led to soldier injuries. These injuries can range from musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., joint/ligamentous injuries and stress fractures) to neurological injuries (e.g., paresthesias), and impact on both the soldier and the army in which they serve. Following treatment to facilitate initial recovery from injuries, soldiers must be progressively reconditioned for load carriage. Optimal conditioning and reconditioning practices include load carriage sessions with a frequency of one session every 10–14 days in conjunction with a program of both resistance and aerobic training. Speed of march and grade and type of terrain covered are factors that can be adjusted to manipulate load carriage intensity, limiting the need to adjust load weight alone. Factors external to the load carriage program, such as other military duties, can also impart physical loading and must be considered as part of any load carriage conditioning/reconditioning program.

Publication Type: Articles
Additional Information: Orr, R., Pope, R., Lopes, T. J. A., Leyk, D., Blacker, S., Bustillo-Aguirre, B. S., & Knapik, J. J. (2021). Soldier Load Carriage, Injuries, Rehabilitation and Physical Conditioning: An International Approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(8), 4010. MDPI AG. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084010
Uncontrolled Keywords: military, exposure, occupational injury, pack march, reconditioning, return to work, injury risk management
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Q Science > QM Human anatomy
Q Science > QP Physiology
U Military Science > U Military Science (General)
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Sport > Area > Exercise Physiology
SWORD Depositor: Publications Router Jisc
Depositing User: Publications Router Jisc
Date Deposited: 28 May 2021 10:10
Last Modified: 28 May 2021 10:10
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/5701

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