Weight-load marching as a method of conditioning Australian Army recruits

Abstract

This study compared weight-load marching to running in the conditioning of Australian Army recruits over an 11-week period. Mean improvements in VO2max were 11.9% and 8.9% in the run and walk groups, respectively. Both groups sustained significant attrition due to medical causes, with the ultimate dropout rate being 49% in both groups. Subjectively, the walk group was viewed as being better able to cope with military tasks than the run group, despite lower absolute and percentage improvements in VO2max. These results suggest that tests of aerobic capacity may not be appropriate in determining 'military fitness'.