PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT OF MARINE PHYSICAL READINESS DURING ARDUOUS MILITARY TRAINING AND OPERATIONS II
Abstract
Multiple physiological components will be accomplished in this effort, 1) biochemical 2) biomechanical and 3) psychological screening and serial measures to predict resiliency. The efficacy of measuring internal to the human by the means of biochemical analyses (i.e., salivary and blood) is critical to determine the individuals# physiological characteristics of cell-signaling cascades, hormonal fluctuations, and enzymatic functions. Most invasive is blood collection, while salivary samples may serve as an auxiliary measure to routinely measure biomarkers without interruption in field-based environments. On the other hand, biomechanical (i.e., movement, force production via force plate testing) can indirectly measure internal physiological characteristics that relate to neuromuscular readiness, and compensations/inefficiencies in movement. While, psychological can have a direct impact in determining the mental well-being of the individual using questionnaires (i.e., Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale). In these separate physiological components, it may allow greater granularity of inputs to better finetune parameters for prediction of resilience. In addition, the greater frequency in which the physiological components are measured, the more fine-tuned the model can be used to predict resilience. Between the serial measures, it is also advantageous to record continuous measures relating to similar domains of the physiological components. For example, heart rate, may be a way to measure an internal physiological signal to understand the rationale of why a biochemical, biomechanical, or psychological physiological component may increase, decrease, or remain constant between serial measures.This work will be performed at The Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center (MCMWTC) with Marine Cadre (MCs). The MCMWTC is a training center first establish to train Marines in elevated cold weather environments located in Bridgeport, CA. The MCs are required to be at peak optimal performance to be able to train the MSs during 3-week training courses during winter and summer training courses. At both training centers, OCS and MCMWTC, serial measures relating to the physiological components will be evaluated in MOCs, MCs and MSs with the addition of continuous measures to better model resilience to further reduce the burden of MSKIs and increase performance.The University of Pittsburgh#s Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center in coordination with the The Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center (MCMWTC) will establish a serial testing procedures and load monitoring under the time and logistical constraints within both training schools. Serial measures relating to biochemical (i.e., salivary), biomechanical (i.e., force plate testing) and psychological (i.e., Conor-Davidson Resilience Scale) will be established at specific time points to fine tune parameters that relate to resilience in Marines. Since OCS and the MCMWTC vary regarding training and the Marine population entering the training, comparisons of serial measures will be evaluated. In addition, since the inception of, gender integration in the military, it is novel to understand the similarities and differences presented in men and women who complete the same training at OCS. At the MCMWTC, the 3-week summer and winter training cycles are drastically different (i.e., weather, terrain, activates) for the students and cadre. Comparisons between the summer and winter training cycles will be evaluated to provide physiological recommendations and observations to best equip Marines for these training environments. Lastly, a Comprehensive Human Performance Screening Battery (CHPSB) will be implemented for the cadre and a lesser CHPSB for the students due to time constraints. The CHPSB will measure physiological components that relate to MSKI risk and performance (strength, power, aerobic fitness, biomechanics,and body composition).
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 11, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312795
Entities
People
- Bradley C. Nindl
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Pittsburgh