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.
