The effect of strength training on lower limb physical readiness during drop landing with and without a carried load in military personnel

Title of the dissertation: The effect of strength training on lower limb physical readiness during drop landing with and without a carried load in military personnel. The lower limbs represent one of the most frequently loaded segments of the musculoskeletal system in military personnel, particularly during drop-landing tasks and when handling carried equipment and weapons. Prolonged exposure to such loads may alter movement mechanics and increase the risk of non-contact musculoskeletal injuries. A specific exercise program focused on the development of lower-limb strength and neuromuscular control can improve the ability to attenuate landing forces, optimize landing mechanics, and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Therefore, a six-week, specifically designed training program aimed at developing lower-limb strength and movement control during landing was designed and experimentally verified. The program was structured to be feasible under military field conditions without the need for a gym or specialized training equipment. A total of 63 male participants from the military environment were included in the study and divided into an intervention group (n = 44) and a control group (n = 19). Variables were assessed before (PRE) and after (POST) the intervention: one-repetition maximum back squat...