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

Author

Listed:
  • Robin Orr

    (Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Gold Coast 4213, Australia)

  • Rodney Pope

    (Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Gold Coast 4213, Australia
    School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, Albury 2640, Australia)

  • Thiago Jambo Alves Lopes

    (Research Laboratory of Exercise Science, Centro de Educação Física Almirante Adalberto Nunes, Brazilian Navy, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
    Post-Graduation Program in Operational Human Performance/PPGDHO, Brazilian Air Force, University of the Air Force, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil)

  • Dieter Leyk

    (Research Group Epidemiology of Performance, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany
    Bundeswehr Institute for Preventive Medicine, 56626 Andernach, Germany)

  • Sam Blacker

    (Occupational Performance Research Group, Institute of Sport, University of Chichester, West Sussex PO19 6PE, UK)

  • Beatriz Sanz Bustillo-Aguirre

    (Ministry of Defence, Paseo de la Castellana 109, 28046 Madrid, Spain
    Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Avenida Montepríncipe s/n, Bohadilla del Monte, 28668 Madrid, Spain)

  • Joseph J. Knapik

    (Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Gold Coast 4213, Australia
    United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA 01760, USA)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Robin Orr & Rodney Pope & Thiago Jambo Alves Lopes & Dieter Leyk & Sam Blacker & Beatriz Sanz Bustillo-Aguirre & Joseph J. Knapik, 2021. "Soldier Load Carriage, Injuries, Rehabilitation and Physical Conditioning: An International Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-12, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:8:p:4010-:d:534065
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Robin Orr & Takato Sakurai & Jordan Scott & Jason Movshovich & J. Jay Dawes & Robert Lockie & Ben Schram, 2021. "The Use of Fitness Testing to Predict Occupational Performance in Tactical Personnel: A Critical Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-15, July.
    2. Robin Orr & Danny Maupin & Robert Palmer & Elisa F. D. Canetti & Vini Simas & Ben Schram, 2022. "The Impact of Footwear on Occupational Task Performance and Musculoskeletal Injury Risk: A Scoping Review to Inform Tactical Footwear," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-39, August.

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