The influence of backpack design on physical performance

Abstract

In an experiment with 10 different backpack configurations, the loss of physical performance due to weight and volume, restriction of shoulder motion, and interference with balance were quantified on a test battery. Ten well-trained infantry soldiers were subjected to several tests, including an obstacle course, jumping, sprinting, running, hand-grenade throwing, and a mobility test. On the test battery average losses of performance of 1% per kg mass and 0·2% per litre backpack volume were found. The effects of weight and volume on the physical performance were additive. Motion restriction of the shoulders did not result in significant performance losses. Balance disturbance resulted in a 1·5% performance decrement. In order to minimize the loss of physical performance, weight should be centred around the waist. Volume may be distributed over the chest and the back without extra performance decrements.

Keywords:

• Backpack
• Physical performance