Effects of load carriage running and forced marching on gait kinematics of recruit-aged females

Load carriage is an essential component of combat operations sometimes requiring warfighters to maintain a walking gait (forced march) at a velocity beyond the normal gait transition point. Little is known about the biomechanical consequences of forced marching on lower extremity kinematics for females. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the differences in kinematics between running (RN) and forced marching (FM) at different loads in recruit aged females. Results indicated that increases in load led to greater flexion of lower extremity joints during key gait events. However, the knee was more extended during FM compared to RN. The compensatory strategy of a straighter limb to maintain velocity during FM may expose the female warfighter to a greater risk of injury.