Anthropometry and Range of Motion of the Encumbered Soldier
Abstract
While much work has been done to detail the physical anthropometry and range of motion ranges of the semi-nude or lightly clothed individual, limited information and data currently exists characterizing the space and movement claims of the encumbered dismounted Soldier. Soldiers are required to wear multiple layers of clothing and protective equipment in addition to mission essential gear. In order to document and measure impacts on space claims/bulk and mobility, 32 active duty, male Soldiers were measured in four loaded configurations; two duty positions (rifleman and grenadier) were represented in two different body armor systems (plate carrier and vest, where the vest had a larger area of coverage). Across the four loaded conditions, increases in size (59-101 ) were evident in addition to increases in weight (13-23 kg). These corresponded to decreases in mobility, measured via range of motion. Soldiers typically saw their range of motion degrade between 6-27 for the goniometer measurements and 25-159 mm for the majority of the reach measurements. Larger increases in bulk and decreases in mobility were seen in the body armor system with the increased area of coverage. Additionally, larger increases in bulk and decreases in mobility were seen for the grenadier than for the rifleman duty position. Because much of the bulk was added around the waist, movements that involved bending at the waist (e.g., Trunk Flexion Standing and Sitting) had the largest degradations from the Baseline (duty uniform only).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1028746
Entities
People
- Hyeok Choi
- K. B. Mitchell
- T. N. Garlie
Organizations
- United States Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center