Assessing the Impact of Clothing and Individual Equipment (CIE) on Soldier Physical, Biomechanical, and Cognitive Performance. Part 2: Data Analysis

Abstract

The objective of this study was to establish a test methodology utilizing an operational scenario for assessing the effects of clothing and individual equipment (CIE) on Soldier physical and cognitive performance. This objective was accomplished by translating established scientifically based cognitive and physical metrics into an integrated field test battery/scenario. The 4-hour scenario was undertaken on each of 3 days wearing CIE configurations entailing load carriage ranging from approximately 10 to over 50 kg. The complete methodology was previously reported in Hasselquist et al. (2018) Part 1: Test Methodology. The results are reported herein, Part II: Data Analysis Cognitive results showed that performing a road march wearing CIE degrades cognitive control processes, primarily response inhibition. Human factors results showed that the Load Effects Assessment Program (LEAP) obstacle course and both static and dynamic marksmanship scenarios are sensitive to difference in equipment configuration, whereas the Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) exercise was sensitive to differences in configuration for measures of mobility, but not lethality or decision making. Biomechanics results showed that measurement techniques could be successfully implemented in field settings, and that measures such as inertial measurement unit (IMU) derived performance degraded with heavier body-borne loads. Together, the results suggest that physical and cognitive measures of Soldier performance change as a function of CIE, and that the present operationally-relevant scenario is sensitive to detect such changes.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 09, 2019
Accession Number
AD1082165

Entities

People

  • Christina Caruso
  • Clifford L. Hancock
  • Edward Hennessy
  • Grace E Giles
  • Jose Villa
  • K. B. Mitchell
  • Leif Hasselquist
  • Marianna D. Eddy
  • Stephanie A. Brown

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomechanics
  • Body Armor
  • Brain
  • Clothing
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Science
  • Data Analysis
  • Field Tests
  • Health Services
  • Hip
  • Inertial Measurement Units
  • Measurement
  • Medical Personnel
  • Motor Skills
  • Posture (General)
  • Psychology
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Marksmanship and Weaponry.
  • Materials Science
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.