Women Litter Carriers: Observations and Modeling
Abstract
Combat support roles for female soldiers expose them to extremes of both environment and physical exertion. Our goals were to quantify female performance under extreme conditions and to evaluate using male-based models to predict female performance. We collected data on 4 female soldiers performing tasks related to lifter casualty evacuation in a hot-dry environment. Activities consisted of walking (1.34 mxs-l) and self-paced two person lifter carriage (68 kg load) to simulate casualty evacuation. Uniforms were worn with (MOPP-4) and without (MOPP-0) Chemical Protective (CP) clothing and masks. There were statistically significant differences (p--0.006) between MOPP-0 and MOPP-4 for rectal temperature (DTre) while walking, but not for litter carriage. The primary limiting factor for litter carriage was muscular-skeletal strain. Without CP clothing, thermal strain was not the immediate limiting factor. Data were compared to values calculated with the Heat Strain Decision Aid (HSDA) and SCENARIO models. The Root Mean Squared Deviations (RMSD) from the observed the values were compared to the mean standard deviations (S'D ). Both male-based models were applicable to the female subject population. The HSDA demonstrated better fit, but SCENARIO is more suitable for accurate and direct input of intermittent work.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA384112
Entities
People
- W. R. Santee
- W. T. Matthew
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine