Putting your best weighted foot forward: Reviewing lower extremity injuries by sex in weighted military marching

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY International marching events, such as the Nijmegen Marches, have a prominent place in Canadian military history, and participation continues today. In the Dutch military, the load carriage requirements previously differed by sex, with men carrying 10 kilograms during the march and women carrying no weight. The Canadian delegation requires both male and female participants to carry 10 kilograms. This article examines the effect of this policy on possible injuries using a Gender-based Analysis Plus lens. Weight carriage should focus on anthropometric factors, not sex, which will allow for appropriate and equal increased stresses (weight) for march participants while minimizing injuries.