Abstract
The aim of this study was to measure the reliability of the extra load index (ELI) as a method for assessing relative load carriage economy. Seventeen volunteers (12 males, 5 females) performed walking trials at 3 km·h−1, 6 km·h−1 and a self-selected speed. Trial conditions were repeated 7 days later to assess test–retest reliability. Trials involved four 4-minute periods of walking, each separated by 5 min of rest. The initial stage was performed unloaded followed in a randomised order by a second unloaded period and walking with backpacks of 7 and 20 kg. Results show ELI values did not differ significantly between trials for any of the speeds (p = 0.46) with either of the additional loads (p = 0.297). The systematic bias, limits of agreement and coefficients of variation were small in all trial conditions. We conclude the ELI appears to be a reliable measure of relative load carriage economy. Practitioner Summary: This paper demonstrates that the ELI is a reliable measure of load carriage economy at a range of walking speeds with both a light and heavy load. The ELI, therefore, represents a useful tool for comparing the relative economy associated with different load carriage systems.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1250-1254 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Ergonomics |
Volume | 60 |
Issue number | 9 |
Early online date | 1 Feb 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2 Sep 2017 |
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Sean Hudson
- Department of Allied Health Professions, Sport and Exercise - Senior Lecturer in Sports Exercise and Nutrition
- School of Human and Health Sciences
- Centre for Applied Research in Health - Member
Person: Academic