| During military service, soldiers are expected to carry heavy loads over a variety of distances and terrains, with additional weight ranging from fifty to one hundred pounds. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of load carriage position on metabolic cost and stride frequency in recreationally fit females. METHODS: Subjects included nine recreationally fit female volunteers. Participants completed a total of five sessions; a pre-assessment, familiarization session, and three exercise sessions. A Modified Balke treadmill test was performed in three different loaded conditions; unloaded, with a 70lb rucksack and with a 70lb weighted vest. RESULTS: Significant changes between loaded and unloaded conditions were seen. The loaded conditions negatively impacted metabolic cost, specifically with the loaded rucksack (p=.01). While the loaded conditions resulted in no significant differences on stride frequency. CONCLUSION: This study offers insight into how external load carriage position among the military alters performance among the female population. |
