Biomechanical study of the influence of the weight of equipment on selected trunk muscles

Overexertion and pain of the musculoskeletal system may occur partly owing to load application by the equipment. Both the weight of equipment and the duration of loading are relevant. The aim of the present study was to examine the extent of loading and resultant strain in the trunk muscles. Therefore, the trunk posture of soldiers and muscular activity in reaction to different equipment components (helmet, load-carrying equipment, gun and backpack) were evaluated. Electromyography was performed and a visual assessment of body axis was conducted based on standardised planar images. Data indicate that the activity of the trunk muscles examined (latissimus dorsi, trapezius and pectoralis major) is dependent on the weight and distribution of the equipment components. Activity in the trapezius muscle, for instance, was doubled during specific load application. Moreover, the method of carrying the rifle had a significant influence on the activity of the trapezius muscle (one-sided decrease of activity by 50%). Subjects were able to stabilise the body axis in the coronal plane through increased muscle activity, however, in the sagittal plane a compensatory ventral inclination of the body was observed. Uneven load distribution can lead to an irregular strain on the musculoskeletal system.