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Predicting physiological capacity of human load carriage - A review

Version 2 2024-06-05, 10:51
Version 1 2015-09-30, 15:43
journal contribution
posted on 2024-06-05, 10:51 authored by J Drain, D Billing, D Neesham-Smith, Brad AisbettBrad Aisbett
This review article aims to evaluate a proposed maximum acceptable work duration model for load carriage tasks. It is contended that this concept has particular relevance to physically demanding occupations such as military and firefighting. Personnel in these occupations are often required to perform very physically demanding tasks, over varying time periods, often involving load carriage. Previous research has investigated concepts related to physiological workload limits in occupational settings (e.g. industrial). Evidence suggests however, that existing (unloaded) workload guidelines are not appropriate for load carriage tasks. The utility of this model warrants further work to enable prediction of load carriage durations across a range of functional workloads for physically demanding occupations. If the maximum duration for which personnel can physiologically sustain a load carriage task could be accurately predicted, commanders and supervisors could better plan for and manage tasks to ensure operational imperatives were met whilst minimising health risks for their workers.

History

Journal

Applied Ergonomics

Volume

52

Pagination

85-94

Location

England

ISSN

0003-6870

eISSN

1872-9126

Language

English

Publication classification

C Journal article, C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2016, Elsevier

Publisher

ELSEVIER SCI LTD