A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Impact of Military Foot Marches on Performance—Part 1: Physical Performance

ABSTRACT: Sax van der Weyden, M, Shaul, Y, Merrigan, JJ, Helton, WS, Barringer, N, Newman, K, and Martin, J. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the impact of military foot marches on performance-part 1: physical performance. J Strength Cond Res 40(5): e534-e553, 2026-Common military tasks and training require service members to have adequate physical and cognitive functioning. Foot marches are a common load carriage task for service members, potentially inducing fatigue and impairing occupational performance. The purpose of part one of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the impact of military style foot marches on physical performance outcomes. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Five electronic databases were searched for studies assessing physical performance before and after a foot march at least 10 minutes in length. Three-level random effects meta-analyses were conducted using standardized mean differences (SMDs; Hedge's g). Twenty-three studies (n = 350 subjects) were included for final review. All studies were fair to good quality based on the Downs & Black checklist but had significant bias because of confounding variables when scored on the ROBINS-I tool. After adjusting for outliers and publication bias, the meta-analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) decreases in lower-body strength (SMD = -0.45, [-0.85, -0.05]), trunk strength (SMD = -0.63, [-0.87, -0.40]), lower-body power (SMD = -0.32, [-0.63, -0.0009]), and postural stability (SMD = 0.38, [0.02, 0.70]). There was no statistical change in upper-body strength (SMD = -0.06, [-0.25, 0.12]), but in a subanalysis, shoulder strength significantly decreased (SMD = -0.22, [-0.38, -0.06]). Foot marches may decrease physical performance, with the largest decrements in trunk and lower-body strength. Alterations in strength and postural stability may lead to decreased occupational performance and increased injury risk. Commanders should be aware of potential performance decrements after a foot march and alter load, speed, and rest when possible. Holistic training programs aimed at improving aerobic and anaerobic capacity, and total body strength, may manage fatigue and reduce risk of injuries because of foot marches.