Citation

Cofré Lizama LE, Wheat J, Slattery P, Middleton K. Ergonomics 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00140139.2022.2143906

PMID

36326486

Abstract

Gait stability in soldiers can be affected by task constraints that may lead to injuries. This study determined the effects of weapon handling and speed on gait stability in seventeen soldiers walking on a treadmill with and without a replica weapon at self-selected (SS), 3.5 km h(-1), 5.5 kmh(-1), and 6.5 km h(-1) while carrying a 23-kg load. Local dynamic stability was measured using accelerometry at the sacrum (LDE(SAC)) and sternum (LDE(STR)). No significant weapon and speed interaction were found. A significant effect of speed for the LDE(SAC), and a significant effect of speed and weapon for the LDE(STR) were found. Per plane analyses showed that the weapon effect was consistent across all directions for the LDE(STR) but not for LDE(SAC). Weapon handling increased trunk but did not affect pelvis stability. Speed decreased stability when walking slower than SS and increased when faster. These findings can inform injury prevention strategies in the military.

Language: en

Keywords

load carriage; Lyapunov; stability; weapon handling