Citation

Knapik J, Staab J, Bahrke M, Reynolds K, Vogel J, O'Connor J. Mil. Med. 1991; 156(4): 197-200.

Affiliation

U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Exercise Physiology Division, Natick, MA 01760-5007.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2030843

Abstract

Eighty-nine soldiers performed a maximal effort 20-km road march, carrying a total load of 46 kg. Compared to pre-march values, post-march marksmanship accuracy decreased 26% for number of target hits and 33% for distance from the centroid of the target. Maximal grenade throw distance decreased 9%, but there was no change in maximal vertical jump height. The Profile of Mood States questionnaire revealed an 82% increase in self-reported fatigue and 38% decrease in vigor. Significant decrements in some aspects of military performance occur when soldiers march rapidly with heavy loads over long distances.

Language: en