SYMPTOMS DURING LOAD-CARRYING - EFFECTS OF MASS AND LOAD DISTRIBUTIONDURING A 20-KM ROAD MARCH

Soldiers must often carry heavy loads which can lead to symptoms of bo dy soreness, aches, pains, and tiredness. This study assessed symptoms when soldiers carried loads in the standard U.S. Army ALICE pack (a s ingle backpack) and in a prototype Double Pack (a two-pack system desi gned to alleviate symptoms by evenly distributing the load between a b ackpack and a frontpack). Each of 15 male soldiers completed a 20-km ( 12.4 mi) road march while carrying either 34, 48, or 61 kg (75, 105, o r 135 lb) and while wearing either the ALICE pack or the Double Peck. Symptoms were assessed with the Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire. Premarch symptoms included feeling alert, good, and wide awake. Postma rch symptoms included tiredness, muscle tightness, and soreness of the legs, feet, back, and shoulders. Analyses of eight symptom factors sh owed that (a) as load increased, fatigue and muscle discomfort intensi fied, and alertness and feelings of well-being diminished and (b) dis tress and heat-illness indices were most intense at 61 kg with the Dou ble Pack.