Tactical Load Carriage: Impacts and Conditioning

Abstract

Tactical athletes (military, law enforcement and firefighters) are required to carry heavy external loads as part of their occupation - as are several other occupations and sporting athletes. Uniquely this session will merge science and practical application to minimise the risk of injury caused by load carriage and optimise performance. Factors influencing tactical load carriage, from load weight to environment, will be examined as will the negative impacts of load carriage to the athlete and their performance. The session will conclude with a ready-to-apply load carriage conditioning framework that is evidence-based and has been tried and tested in tactical populations© Copyright, The Authors, 201