Biomechanical and physiological comparison of conventional webbing and the M83 assault vest

Jeff S Coombes; Christopher J Kingswell

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2004.09.004

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Biomechanical and physiological comparison of conventional webbing and the M83 assault vest

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Biomechanical and physiological comparison of conventional webbing and the M83 assault vest

Jeff S Coombes and Christopher J Kingswell

Applied Ergonomics, Vol.36(1), pp.49-53

2005

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2004.09.004

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Abstract

Medical Physiology

Design Practice and Management

Human Movement and Sports Science

webbing

running efficiency

running kinematics

This study compared the effect of load distribution using two different webbing designs on oxygen consumption and running kinematics of soldiers. It was hypothesised that running with webbing that distributes the load closer to the body (M83 Assault Vest) would expend less energy compared to running with conventional webbing (CON). Seven soldiers randomly completed three treadmill trials; an unloaded VO2max test, and two loaded (8 kg) efficiency tests using either the M83 or CON webbing. The VO2max test and the loaded efficiency tests had 4-min stages at 5, 8, 10 and 12 km h-1. Energy expenditure was measured via indirect calorimetry and video analysis was used to determine stride frequency (SF) and stride length (SL) during each trial. Participants using the M83 webbing expended significantly (p<0.05) less energy at all four running velocities compared to the CON trials. The M83 webbing resulted in smaller changes to SL and SF from the unloaded trial when compared to the CON trial. These results indicate that the M83 vest that is designed to distribute the load closer to the body may have an energy efficiency advantage over conventional webbing when soldiers are running.

Details

Title: Biomechanical and physiological comparison of conventional webbing and the M83 assault vest
Authors: Jeff S Coombes (Author) - University of Queensland
Christopher J Kingswell (Author) - University of Tasmania
Publication details: Applied Ergonomics, Vol.36(1), pp.49-53
Publisher: Pergamon
Date published: 2005
DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2004.09.004
ISSN: 0003-6870
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Nursing; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450440402621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Engineering, Industrial; Ergonomics; Psychology, Applied

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