COMPARISON OF PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOMECHANICAL VARIABLES OF THE AIRBORNE SHUFFLE COMPARED TO STANDARD WALKING

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the airborne shuffle on oxygen cost, HR, RER, and stride length compared to standard walking at 3 speeds (2.5 mph, 3.0 mph, and 3.5 mph) while loaded with the standard combat load. United States Army Reserve Officer Training Course cadets (N = 20; mean age = 22 years) participated in the study. The laboratory tests examined oxygen cost, heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, and stride length. There was a statistically significant increase in oxygen cost (p < .001), heart rate (p < .001), respiratory exchange ratio (p < .001), and stride length (p < .001) across all speeds. Overall, data examination reveals that the use of the airborne shuffle is not a more economical modality while carrying a combat load, when compared to standard walking.