Citation

Birrell SA, Hooper RH. Mil. Med. 2007; 172(3): 306-311.

Affiliation

Department of Human Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LEl 1 3TU, United Kingdom.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17436777

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the types, incidence, and causes of any potential load carriage injuries or discomfort as a result of a 2-hour, forced-speed, treadmill march carrying 20 kg. Subjective load carriage data were collected, through both interviews and questionnaires, from relatively inexperienced soldiers after a period of load carriage. Results from the study showed that the upper limb is very susceptible to short-term discomfort, whereas the lower limb is not. The shoulders were rated significantly more uncomfortable then any other region, and blisters were experienced by approximately 60% of participants. Shoulder discomfort commences almost as soon as the load is added and increases steadily with time; however, foot discomfort increases more rapidly once the discomfort materializes. In conclusion, early development of shoulder pain or blisters may be a risk factor for severe pain or noncompletion of a period of prolonged load carriage.

Language: en