2007, Piran, Slovenia

Working environment
Redistribution of the load relative to body mass resulted in endurance times varying between
the 13.4 and 50 minutes (mean: 26.8, SD: 11.3). Although the average endurance time
decreased, the endurance time of the group was more homogeneous compared with the group
carrying the same loads, with an increase in endurance time for the ‘weakest link’.
Prediction of endurance time based on muscle strength and anthropometric parameters is not
an attractive alternative in time limiting situations.
DISCUSSION
It is concluded that during marching with extremely heavy loads, combat soldiers need to be
individually loaded, relative to their own MLCC to have a better prediction of endurance
time. Redistribution of the carried load relative to MLCC makes the team performance more
homogeneous compared to carrying absolute loads. In limited time situations redistribution
of the carried load relative to body weight is a good alternative, which still results in a more
homogeneous team performance compared to carrying absolute loads. Reasons for
terminating work were predominantly discomfort, but also insufficient muscle strength.
Prediction of endurance time based on muscle strength and anthropometric parameters is not
an attractive alternative in time limiting situations.
545