Optimal back-pack load for short distance hiking

Y. Shoenfeld, R. Udassin, Y. Shapiro, C. Birenfeld, A. Magazanik, E. Sohar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

20 Young men marched 6 and 12 km with a well-fitted back-pack load of 30 or 35 kg. Each subject served as his own control. No significant increase in mean heart rate, rectal temperature, or decrease in mean VO 2 max and serum levels of glucose and muscle enzymes were recorded in the groups marching 6 km with 30 and 35 kg. Significant differences in the increases in mean heart rate, the decreases in VO 2 max and the changes in blood glucose were noted between the 2 groups carrying 30 and 35 kg for 12 km. These significant differences were also supported by the subjective feelings of the volunteers. The present study shows the optimal back-pack load for healthy young men, marching at 6 km/hr on a paved road, road to be 30 kg for 12 km and 35 kg for 6 km without considering the task too difficult and with no significant decrease in VO 2 max. The results are relevant to hiking, rescue assignments, and military missions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)281-284
Number of pages4
JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume59
Issue number6
StatePublished - 1978
Externally publishedYes

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