THE EFFECTS OF LOAD AND SPEED ON THE GROUND REACTION FORCES OF THE SOLDIER DURING UPHILL, DOWNHILL AND LEVEL WAKING

Authors

  • Heinrich Nolte
  • Caley Chaplin

Keywords:

load carriage, kinetics, peak loading rates

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of load, speed and gradient on ground reaction forces of soldiers. Decline walking resulted in significant increases in peak loading rates, impact peak loads, braking forces and decreases in propulsive forces when compared to level and incline walking. The peak loading rates, vertical impact peak and anterio-posterior braking forces were significantly lower during the loaded condition compared to the unloaded condition during downhill walking. In addition, the first half of the stance phase was found to be significantly longer when carrying a load during level and decline walking suggesting individuals adopted compensation strategies to mitigate the high forces imposed during downhill loaded walking. This study contributes to the understanding of gait and the reduction of biomechanical stress placed on the body during downhill walking.

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Published

2016-05-05

Issue

Section

Coaching and Sports Activities