Affiliations: Canadian Forces Base, Shearwater, Nova Scotia,
Canada | Canadian Forces Health Services Group Headquarters,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada | School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie
University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: L.E. Holt, PhD, School of Health and
Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 3J5.
Tel.: +1 902 494 1151; Fax: +1 902 494 5120; E-mail: Larry.Holt@dal.ca
Abstract: Impact loading is a major factor in the high prevalence of
musculoskeletal injuries among military personnel during operational tasks. One
of the therapeutic purposes of a pedorthic approach is to attenuate impact load
through footwear and supportive device cushioning. The following research pilot
project attempts to investigate this relationship. Vertical acceleration was
collected at the fourth lumbar level in 30 members of the Canadian Forces (CF)
during two ladder descents on a CF warship. Body weight, time of descent, and a
description of footwear and any additional supportive appliances were also
collected. None of the evaluated variables were significantly different between
members wearing standard issue footwear and medically prescribed footwear and
supportive devices. Although the results of this research pilot must be viewed
with caution, the preliminary findings of this pilot tends to suggest that the
current pedorthic practices may not effectively reduce peak impact forces at
the fourth lumbar level of the spine among CF personnel during a selected naval
activity.
