RESEARCH SUMMARY: Factors affecting performance on an army urban operation casualty evacuation for male and female soldiers (Chasse et al., 2019)
Title: Factors Affecting Performance on an Army Urban Operation Casualty Evacuation for Male and Female Soldiers
Authors: Chassé E, Tingelstad HC, Needham-Beck SC, Reilly T
Year: 2019
Purpose
Military personnel must have the physical strength and aerobic fitness to perform their job successfully and safely. Due to time constraints, the ability to measure strength and aerobic fitness with simple and reliable field-based tests is important for tactical professionals. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the field-based tests best to predict successful performance of casualty evacuation in male and female soldiers.
Methods and key findings
In this single-cohort study, 9 male and 8 female participants completed a range of strength and aerobic fitness assessments, including VO2 max, Isometric Mid-thigh Pull (IMTP), and medicine ball throw. Peak force from the IMTP test was measured using force plates. They then completed a simulated casualty evacuation task from which time and heart rate reserve were used as outcome measures. Linear regression was used to investigate relationships between performance outcomes and fitness assessment results.
Peak force from the IMTP test and lean body mass were able to discriminate fast performers of the casualty evacuation task against slow performers. Therefore, body composition and maximal strength are important contributors to the performance of casualty evacuation in both males and females.
Improving strength through training and measuring the effectiveness of training by measuring peak force during the IMTP test should translate to improved performance of casualty evacuation. Further, this test could be used to determine job suitability of new recruits and to set performance benchmarks to ensure job readiness.
Read the full study here.
VALD's solution - ForceDecks
VALD’s ForceDecks Dual Force Plate System can be used to automatically quantify peak force during an IMTP test. By connecting multiple sets of ForceDecks to the same device, many personnel can be tested concurrently to improve the rate of data collection. Once data collection is complete, immediately benchmark personnel against performance thresholds on VALD Hub, VALD’s cloud-based data analytics platform. From there, quickly view and prioritize time for personnel who scored below thresholds so they have the best chance of improving.
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