Strength and Rate of Force Development Needs for Effective Combat Casualty Evacuations

Abstract

The purpose was to examine the necessary strength and rate of force development to complete a modified fireman’s carry in unweighted and weighted conditions. Eighteen male participants from North Dakota State Universities Army Reserve Officers Training Corp (ROTC) participated in this study. An isometric deadlift was performed on an AcuPower force plate to determine maximum peak force and rate of force development. The unweighted trial used a 75kg dummy, and the 50m course. The weighted trial added 9.09kg weight vests onto the dummy and the participant. Participants (n=13) that completed the fireman’s carry for both weighted and unweighted conditions had significantly (p <0.05) greater peak force (145 ± 17 kg) compared to participants (n=15) that could not complete both trials (109 ± 26 kg). Peak force significantly correlated to lean muscle mass (R=.51, p<0.05) Peak force is a positive predictor to determine soldier’s capability for combat casualty evacuation task.