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Effect of uphill walking with varying grade and speed during load carriage on muscle activity

Abstract Indian soldiers, while guarding the mountainous border areas, often carry loads in steep uphill gradients. This activity may predispose the risk of muscle injury. The present study aimed to examine the effects of an increasing load, speed and gradient during incremental uphill treadmill walking on different muscles. Twelve infantry soldiers walked on a treadmill at two speeds (2.5 and 4 km/h) with no load, and carrying 10.7, 17 and 21.4 kg loads at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25% gradients. Electromyographic responses of erector spinae (>240%) and vastus medialis (>240%) were mostly affected, followed by soleus (>125%) and gastrocnemius medialis (>100%) at maximum speed, load and gradient combination compared to 0% gradient. Carrying 10.7 kg at 15% gradient and above was found to be highly strenuous and fatiguing with the risk of muscle injury. Uphill load carriage in slower speed is recommended for the maintenance of combat fitness of the individual at higher gradients. Practitioner Summary: The present article has evaluated the stress encountered by soldiers during load carriage at incremental uphill gradients while walking at different speeds by recording the muscular activities. Load carriage in steep uphill gradients is highly strenuous and may lead to muscle injury thus compromising the combat fitness.