Effects of training on physical performance wearing personal protective equipment.
We evaluated the effects of wearing a weighted vest during 6 weeks of military-style training. Forty-three subjects were randomly assigned to a control group or a vest group (carrying 4-5 kg for 2 weeks, and 8-10 kg for 4 weeks), with 37 completing the study (17 vest, 20 control). Both groups performed stair climbing in addition to standard Marine Corps training for 1 hour, four times per week. Pre- and post-tests were performed while wearing military personal protective equipment, with the exception of the Marine Physical Readiness Test (PRT). Both groups significantly improved PRT scores (8.4% 3-mile run, 28-38% calisthenics) and an agility drill (4.4%). Significant improvements in uphill treadmill performance (6.8% vest, 3.0% control) and maximal oxygen consumption (10.7% vest, 6.8% control) were approximately twice as much in the vest versus control group, although these differences did not reach significance (p = 0.16 and 0.13, respectively).
Swain
David P
DP
Department of Human Movement Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529-0196, USA.
Onate
James A
JA
Ringleb
Stacie I
SI
Naik
Dayanand N
DN
DeMaio
Marlene
M
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011481:Protective Clothing; D016474:Weight-Bearing