Examining the Effects of Head Supported Mass on Cervical Spine Biomechanics and Injury Risk in Special Forces Operators
Abstract
Military personnel face unique challenges and occupational loads under difficult conditions that put them at significant risk for musculoskeletal injury. Improved technology and assistive exoskeletons have increased soldier head supported mass (HSM), and it is believed current HSM requirements exceeds functional occupational limits of what can be borne safely, contributing to cervical spine (C-spine) musculoskeletal injury risk. A subset of these functional limits has been investigated through the lens of helicopter and fixed wing aviation pilot HSM with respect to two specific scenarios, vibrational loading and high G events. These studies used both experimental and modeling approaches to develop HSM design criterion. Our overall objective for this project is to determine the chronic effects of repeated loading with HSM and to assess intervertebral stresses through biomechanics modeling to provide mitigation strategies for the effects of HSM on the modifiable musculoskeletal cervical spine characteristics military personnel. Determining the effects of HSM on musculoskeletal and neuromuscular functional joint stability characteristics will drive the design of chronic injury prevention programs, equipment design guidelines, and other potential injury countermeasures. These targeted injury prevention programs and design guidance can lead to a reduction of musculoskeletal injuries to soldiers from repetitive loading and increase operational effectiveness, lengthening military careers, and improving post-military health.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1148581
Entities
People
- Timothy C. Sell
Organizations
- Atrium Health