Injuries associated with strenuous road marching

Mil Med. 1992 Feb;157(2):64-7.

Abstract

Injuries were recorded during and up to 12 days after a maximal effort road march. Light infantry soldiers (N = 335) carried a total load of 46 kg over a 20 km course. Twenty-four percent of the soldiers suffered one or more injuries, resulting in 44 days of limited duty. All injuries involved the lower extremities and/or the back. Foot blisters and back problems were the most common complaints (35% and 23%, respectively, of the total injuries). These data indicate that units without recent road marching training can expect a high incidence of injuries as a result of a single demanding road march.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alaska
  • Back Injuries
  • Humans
  • Leg Injuries / etiology
  • Male
  • Military Personnel*
  • Physical Exertion*
  • United States
  • Walking*
  • Wounds and Injuries / etiology*