RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Cognitive performance of military men and women during prolonged load carriage JF BMJ Military Health JO BMJ Mil Health FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group SP e002000 DO 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2021-002000 A1 Nicola C Armstrong A1 S J R Smith A1 D Risius A1 D Doyle A1 S L Wardle A1 J P Greeves A1 J R House A1 M Tipton A1 M Lomax YR 2022 UL http://militaryhealth.bmj.com/content/early/2022/04/06/bmjmilitary-2021-002000.abstract AB Background This study evaluated cognitive workload in soldiers undertaking a long duration march wearing different loads.Methods Military participants (n=12 men and n=10 women) performed four 3-hour loaded marches (12.25 km at 4.9 km/hour) wearing either 21 kg, 26 kg, 33 kg or 43 kg. During the march, accuracy and response time were measured using the verbal working memory n-back test (0, 1, 2 and 3) and two bespoke Go/No Go tests (visual/auditory) to assess inhibition of a pre-potent response.Results The physical demands of the march increased with load and march duration but remained at moderate intensity. N-back test accuracy ranged from 74% to 98% in men and 62% to 98% in women. Reduced accuracy was observed as load and time increased. Accuracy during the visual Go/No Go test also reduced with load, accuracy ranged from 69% to 89% in men and 65% to 90% in women. No differences due to load or time were observed during completion of the auditory Go/No Go task; accuracy ranged from 93% to 97% in men and 77% to 95% in women. A number of participants were unable to complete the march due to discomfort. Reports of discomfort were more frequent in women, which may have contributed to the greater reductions in accuracy observed.Conclusion These data provide further evidence that cognitive performance of military personnel can be affected during long duration loaded marching. Women reported discomfort from equipment more frequently than men, which may make them more susceptible to declines in cognitive performance. These findings highlight important considerations for equipment procurement.All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplemental information.