Initial subjective load carriage injury data collected with interviews and questionnaires.
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.
Birrell
Stewart A
SA
Department of Human Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LEl 1 3TU, United Kingdom.
Hooper
Robin H
RH
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001768:Blister / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005080:Exercise Test; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D017770:Lifting / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008887:Military Medicine; D008889:Military Personnel; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012307:Risk Factors; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation