Examining External Load Variability in a Cadet Population: Impact on Vertical Jump Performance

Area of Science:

• Military Science
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• External load carriage is crucial for military training and readiness.
• Increased load alters biomechanics and elevates injury risk.
• Vertical jump testing assesses lower-body power and is vital for military physical readiness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of varying external loads on vertical jump performance in military cadets.
• To analyze how different percentages of body weight carried in a MOLLE 4000 rucksack affect biomechanics.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study with 41 cadets (20 female) at a senior military college.
• Participants performed vertical jumps under various load conditions: 0%, 22%, 44%, and 66% of body weight.
• Measured jump height, flight time, and other biomechanical variables.

Main Results:

• Male cadets exhibited superior jump height and flight time compared to female cadets.
• A significant decrease in vertical jump performance was observed when loads increased from 0% to 22% of body weight.
• Performance decline was most pronounced between unloaded and 22% body weight conditions.

Conclusions:

• External loads of 22% body weight markedly reduce vertical jump height in both male and female cadets.
• These findings underscore the substantial effect of load carriage on explosive power relevant to military operations.