TEAM-UPS: Tactical Exposure Assessment Metrics Utilizing Physiologic Signatures
Abstract
The equipment requested in this grant will aid in our goal of optimizing warfighter performance while minimizing injury risks during basic and specialized training periods. Through the creation of physical performance profiles (PPP) and the assessment of function following repetitive blast exposure, we will identify the components of warfighter success. Creating distinct profiles of warfighte r performance metrics will further our understanding of how individual differences affect training outcomes and overall soldier read iness. The approach to creating individual profiles needs to be robust to accommodate the large numbers of recruits, and the equipme nt we request will formulate a completely mobile research unit with the capacity of testing up to ten soldiers concurrently. PPP cre ated for each warfighter will include a slew of information from technology widely-used within and outside of the military. Muscle s trength, force production, postural control, and kinetic profiles of functional movements will be measured using ForceDecks and Forc eFrames from Vald Performance. Reaction time metrics will be generated through the Synaptec Sensory Station. The data compiled for t he PPPs will be entered into Smartabase for a seamless addition of our variables into existing frameworks. Using iPads for consent d ocuments and data collection will increase our efficiency and our resulting throughput. In addition to creating PPPs for warfighters entering training, we propose further investigation of MOS-specific training, specifically centering on MOSs with repeated exposure to subconcussive blasts. Certain wartime encounters require warfighters to perform precise movements after blast exposure, while th ere may be immediate and persisting decrements to their performance. We will synthesize a conglomerate of data sources to create a c omprehensive assessment of the impact of blast exposure on warfighters oculomotor function, gait, shooting performance, reaction ti me, and postural control. EYE-SYNC, an eye-tracking technology that is commonly used in assessment and rehabilitation of individuals with mild traumatic brain injuries, will assess oculomotor performance. Opal inertia measurement units (IMU) from APDM will collect a plethora of kinematic data during marching and shooting tasks. The Synaptec Sensory Station will test warfighter reaction time an d the equipment from Vald Performance will be utilized in postural control assessments. This data will be distilled into meaningful, actionable metrics for implementation in training and assessment protocols. Each piece of equipment listed represents a vital compo nent in the comprehensive assessment of warfighter performance and injury risk upon entering the military and participating in MOSsp ecific training. We have conducted similar work in a laboratory setting but findings lack ecological validity. To overcome this barr ier to research translatability, we have requested equipment to create a completely mobile research unit, including a 24 trailer, f ive generators, and appropriate power adaptors for transportability. The ability to assess soldiers outside of the lab maximizes our ability to apply our expertise in movement biomechanics, postural control, and physical aptitude monitoring to the intersection bet ween training-related blast exposure and warfighter performance and injury.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 22, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112943
Entities
People
- James Onate
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Ohio State University
- United States Navy