Characterising the physical and physiological demands of essential tasks across the Australian Army

Abstract

Understanding the physical task demands across Army can help to inform physical employment standards (PES) and physical conditioning programs. Job task analysis was performed for 55 Australian Army trades to determine criterion tasks. Of the 139 criterion tasks, 60% were categorised manual handling and 32% load carriage. Lift to Platform tasks were most prevalent (34%) with a median lift height and mass of 1.5 m and 25 kg, followed by lift and carry tasks (23%) with a 30 m carry and 26 kg mass. Physiological demands were moderate, with a median $\dot{V}$ O₂ and relative intensity of 1.91 L min⁻¹ and ∼46% VO_2max. Load carriage median external load, and $\dot{V}$ O2 were 22 kg and 2.05 L min⁻¹. Combat Arms trades had higher task demands compared to non-combat trades. These results emphasise the importance of manual handling and load carriage for Army personnel and provide the basis for PES development and targeted physical conditioning.