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Tactical combat movements: inter-individual variation in performance due to the effects of load carriage
Hunt, Andrew P. Tofari, Paul J. Billing, Daniel C. Silk, Aaron J.
Hunt, Andrew P.
Tofari, Paul J.
Billing, Daniel C.
Silk, Aaron J.
Abstract
An examination into the effects of carried military equipment on the performance of two tactical combat movement simulations was conducted. Nineteen Airfield Defence Guards performed a break contact (five 30-m sprints) and a fire and movement simulation (16 6-m bounds) in five load conditions (10–30 kg). Heavier loads significantly increased movement duration on the break contact (0.8%/kg load) and fire and movement (1.1%/kg). Performance deterioration was observed from the beginning to the end of the series of movements (bounds or sprints) with deterioration becoming significantly greater in heavier load conditions. Inter-individual variation between slower and faster participants showed a range in load effects; 0.6, 0.8%/kg for fast and 1.0, 1.4%/kg for slow (break contact, fire and movement, respectively). Velocity profiles revealed that the initial acceleration and peak velocity were the primary determinants of performance. As the duration of these tactical combat movements reflects periods of heightened vulnerability, these findings highlight important implications for commanders.
Keywords
Repeat sprint, performance deterioration, velocity, military
Date
2016
Type
Journal article
Journal
Ergonomics
Book
Volume
59
Issue
9
Page Range
1232-1241
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled