Load Carriage for Female Military Personnel. Issue 4 (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Orr, Robin M.; Pope, Rodney P.; O'Shea, Simone; Knapik, Joseph J.
• Is Part Of: Strength and conditioning journal. Volume 42:Issue 4(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: tactical athlete -- soldier -- armed forces -- injury -- ruck march -- female athlete; Physical education and training -- Periodicals; Bodybuilding -- Periodicals; Muscle strength -- Periodicals; 613.7
• DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000514
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1524-1602

Abstract

Abstract : ABSTRACT: This article reviews the physiological, biomechanical, and health impacts of load carriage on the female soldier and includes issues impacting on the female athlete and hence female soldier. Physiological factors (e.g., mass, strength, and aerobic endurance) and biomechanical factors (e.g., forward trunk lean and step length) have the potential to increase the energy cost of load carriage and injury risk. Optimal load carriage conditioning guidelines are presented while considering issues specific to the female soldier, including the female athlete triad and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, which can likewise reduce performance and increase injury risk.