Injury Prevention and Performance Enhancement in 101st Airborne Soldiers

Abstract

Data were collected over a 20 month period (770 tests) to identify suboptimal biomechanical, musculoskeletal, physiological, and nutritional characteristics. Based on the results of initial testing included 101st-specific task and demand analyses and biomechanical, musculoskeletal, physiological, and nutritional assessments and injury history, the Eagle Tactical Athlete Program was developed and validated. The format of ETAP was based on a sports medicine periodized training model and included specific modalities that trained the soldier to be more athletic and address the suboptimal characteristics previously identified. ETAP was validated utilizing an experimental-control group comparison design and performed during a predeployment phase of training. Soldiers performing ETAP demonstrated significant improvements of the tested variables. These adaptations occurred in variables that are critically vital to military readiness. Overall, the adaptations observed with training will have long-term implications for injury reduction and performance optimization.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA531882

Entities

People

  • Scott M. Lephart

Organizations

  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Army Personnel
  • Brain Injuries
  • Health Services
  • Injury Prevention
  • Joints (Anatomy)
  • Leg Injuries
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Personnel
  • Performance Tests
  • Students
  • Tactical Training
  • Therapy
  • Training

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Nuclear Civil Defense.