Search

BACKGROUND: Climbing and trekking at altitude are common recreational and military activities. Physiological effects of altitude are hypoxia and hyperventilation. The hyperventilatory response to altitude may cause respiratory muscle fatigue and reduce sustained submaximal exercise. Voluntary isocapnic hyperpnea respiratory muscle training (VIHT) improves exercise endurance at sea level and at depth. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that VI HT would improve exercise time at altitude [3600 m (11,811 ft)] compared to control and placebo groups. METHODS: Subjects pedaled an ergometer until exhaustion at simulated altitude in a hypobaric chamber while noninvasive arterial saturation (Sao2), ventilation (VE), and oxygen consumption (Vo2) were measured. RESULTS: As expected, Sao2 decreased to 88 ± 4% saturation at rest and to 81 ± 2% during exercise, and was not affected by VIHT. VIHT resulted in a 40% increase in maximal training VE compared to pre-VIHT. Exercise endurance significantly increased 44% after VIHT (P = <0.001). Vo2 (30 ± 3 ml • kg-1 • min-1) and heart rate (177 ± 10 bpm) did not change during exercise and were not affected by VIHT (P = 0.531). Pre-VIHT VE increased 21-27% during the initial 12 min of exercise, after which it decreased 17% at 17.7 ± 6.0 min. VE at altitude post-VIHT increased more (49%) for longer (21 min) and decreased less (11% at 25.4 ± 6.7 min). DISCUSSION: VIHT improved exercise time at altitude and sustained VE This suggests that VIHT reduced respiratory muscle fatigue and would be useful to trekkers and military personnel working at altitude. Heifer S, Quackenbush J, Fletcher M, Pendergast DR. Respiratory muscle training and exercise endurance at altitutde. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(8)704-711. DISCUSSION: VIHT improved exercise time at altitude and sustained VE This suggests that VIHT reduced respiratory muscle fatigue and would be useful to trekkers and military personnel working at altitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soldiers are encouraged to be physically active, and thereby maintain or increase their fitness level to meet job-related physical demands. However, studies on objectively measured physical activity (PA) in soldiers are scarce, particular for reserve soldiers. Hence, the aim of this study was to present PA data on Norwegian Home Guard (HG) soldiers. A total of 411 HG soldiers produced acceptable PA measurements (SenseWear Armband Pro2) during civilian life, of which 299 soldiers also produced acceptable data during HG military training. Reference data on total energy expenditure, metabolic equivalents, steps per day, and minutes of PA in three different metabolic equivalent categories are presented. The HG soldiers produced more minutes of moderate PA during HG military training compared to civilian life, but less vigorous and very vigorous PA. Furthermore, HG soldiers were more physically active during civilian week days compared to weekend days. The presented reference data can be used for comparisons against other groups of soldiers. Our data indicate that aerobic demands during HG military training were not very high. Promoting PA and exercise could still be important to ensure HG soldiers are physically prepared for more unforeseen job tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tests that have the ability to predict injuries in various military and athletic populations are important because of the role they could play in primary prevention. Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Y Balance Tests (YBT) may provide this prognostic ability. This study examined the association between injuries and age, physical characteristics, FMS, and upper and lower body YBTs among Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT) candidates. Thirty-one male Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team candidates were administered the 7 FMS tests and lower- and upper-body YBTs before their intense 2-month training course. Age, height, weight, and body mass index were also obtained. Physical training-related injuries were recorded during the course. Injury incidence was 41%. Older age and lower scores on either FMS or the upper-body YBT were associated with higher injury risk. Performance of the lower-body YBT was not associated with injury risk. This is the first investigation showing that lower scores on the upper-body YBT were associated with higher injury risk and is in consonance with previous investigations demonstrating associations between lower FMS scores and higher injury risk. Certain limitations need to be addressed. Future studies should determine if FMS and the YBTs have prognostic ability in other populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vast research and personal testimonies provide strong evidence that a highly effective teacher plays a critical role in the successes of their students, particularly those at risk of underachievement. That same evidence is now being demanded of teacher preparation programs. By comparison, military preparation programs have long been outcome-based and scrutinized for their ability to prepare military professionals for readiness in the field or their failure to do so. In this paper, authors with extensive backgrounds in teaching and/or military preparation examined their respective strategies of preparing students for professional missions. They identify and discuss six lessons shared by both teaching preparation programs and military preparation programs, which based on their experience and extensive relevant research, have contributed to the effectiveness of education and military professionals in the field. In their conclusion, the authors discuss the critical importance of developing a Battlemind, defined as an empowering mindset for promoting professional sustainability and success in achieving specific, meaningful outcomes in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss the Fight the Base/Recover the Base (FTB/RTB) concepts used by the U.S. Navy to an air base through treating the base as a shiplike combat platform. Topics include assigning the personnel within base defense or emergency response units around the installation, the importance of training as a key component of both FTB and RTB, and equipment is another component in implementing the FTB/RTB plan.

Changes in electrodermal activity (EDA) correlate with arousal and stress during stimulating experiences. We hypothesized that associations exist between short-term performance gains and changes in EDA. A total of 187 combat medics were randomly assigned to simulation (S), live tissue (L), or video (V) based training in the recognition and treatment of nerve agent casualties. Change in EDA from baseline to training was quantified for tonic and phasic responses and was categorized as positive (>+10%), no change (±10%), or negative (<-10%). Cognitive and psychomotor skills assessments were applied before and after the baseline/training period to quantify short-term performance changes. Statistically significant differences in both EDA arousal measures between training modalities (p < 0.001 with L > S ∼ V) were observed. Notably, larger proportions of trainees experienced negative changes in tonic (67%) and phasic (21%) EDA measures in the V group when compared to the L and S groups. Regardless of training modality, negative tonic and phasic EDA responses were associated with lower psychomotor performance gains and this finding approached statistical significance (tonic: p = 0.056, phasic: p = 0.08). No significant differences were noted in pre- to post-training cognitive performance between EDA response categories. As quantified by EDA response to training, reduced arousal was associated with lower short-term psychomotor, but not cognitive, performance gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injury prevention has been assessed and studied in professional and collegiate athletic populations, but application to the military setting has been limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an injury prevention warm-up in two flying squadrons. At the commanders' request, two Air Force flying squadrons (276 individuals) were provided an injury prevention warm-up of evidence-based exercises, which focused on functional range of motion and dynamic core stability. The routine was performed before unit physical training twice a week. The number of injuries did not significantly decrease after the injury prevention warm-up compared to 12 months before the intervention. However, the amount of time a subject was "grounded," duty not involving flying, because of a musculoskeletal injury decreased significantly from 146 days per month to 73 days per month (p = 0.02). A quick, generic warm-up of evidence-based exercises may decrease the number of limited duty days in a flying population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The U.S. Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) is the first step in preparing soldier trainees for the physical demands of the military. Unfortunately, a substantial number of trainees fail BCT due to failure on the final Army Physical Fitness Test (also known as the "end of cycle" APFT). Current epidemiological studies have used statistics to identify several risk factors for poor APFT performance, but these studies have had limited utility for guiding regimen design to maximize APFT outcome. This is because such studies focus on intrinsic risks to APFT failure and do not utilize detailed BCT activity data to build models which offer guidance for optimizing the training regimen to improve graduation rates.Methods: In this study, a phenomenological run performance model that accounts for physiological changes in fitness and fatigue due to training was applied to recruits undergoing U.S. Army BCT using high resolution (minute-by-minute) activity data.Results: The phenomenological model was better at predicting both the final as well as intermediate APFTs (R(2) range = 0.55-0.59) compared to linear regression models (LRMs) that used the same intrinsic input variables (R(2) range = 0.36-0.50).Conclusions: Unlike a statistical approach, a phenomenological model accounts for physiological changes and, therefore, has the potential to not only identify trainees at risk of failing BCT on novel training regimens, but offer guidance to regimen planners on how to change the regimen for maximizing physical performance. This paper is Part I of a 2-part series on physical training outcome predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between repeated exposure to blast overpressure and neurological function was examined in the context of breacher training at the U.S. Marine Corps Weapons Training Battalion Dynamic Entry School. During this training, Students are taught to apply explosive charges to achieve rapid ingress into secured buildings. For this study, both Students and Instructors participated in neurobehavioral testing, blood toxin screening, vestibular/auditory testing, and neuroimaging. Volunteers wore instrumentation during training to allow correlation of human response measurements and blast overpressure exposure. The key findings of this study were from high-memory demand tasks and were limited to the Instructors. Specific tests showing blast-related mean differences were California Verbal Learning Test II, Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics subtests (Match-to-Sample, Code Substitution Delayed), and Delayed Matching-to-Sample 10-second delay condition. Importantly, apparent deficits were paralleled with functional magnetic resonance imaging using the n-back task. The findings of this study are suggestive, but not conclusive, owing to small sample size and effect. The observed changes yield descriptive evidence for potential neurological alterations in the subset of individuals with occupational history of repetitive blast exposure. This is the first study to integrate subject instrumentation for measurement of individual blast pressure exposure, neurocognitive testing, and neuroimaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored Taiwanese military instructor' perceptions of a training program using a solution-focused approach and its initial application to students with behavior problems. A total of 25 military instructors (16 men, 9 women; M age=38.6 years, SD=5.8) and 10 students (three men, seven women; M age=17.5 years, SD=0.9) participated in the study through convenience sampling. Grounded theory method was adopted for data analysis. Six prominent categories emerged from the focus group interview, weekly training notes, and the researcher's field notes, including reactions to learning solution-focused approach, strengths and weaknesses of using the solution-focused approach, identification of military instructors role function, initial responses to the techniques of the solution-focused approach, a positive attitude to deal with students' problems, and from assimilation to transformation. In addition, feedback collected from students was grouped into a seventh category. Finally, a modified pattern was developed for military instructors to use when working with students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite aggressive prevention programs and strategies, nontraumatic exertional sudden death events in military training continue to prove a difficult challenge for the Department of Defense. In November 2014, the 559th Medical Group at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, hosted a working group on sudden exertional death in military training. Their objectives were three-fold: (1) determine best practices to prevent sudden exertional death of military trainees, (2) determine best practices to establish safe and ethical training environments for military trainees with sickle cell trait, and (3) develop field-ready algorithms for managing military trainees who collapse during exertion. This article summarizes the major findings and recommendations of the working group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is the intent of this article to define the strategy by which Combat Medics have been employed in contemporary stability operations and counterinsurgency conflicts. This article describes the advances in training based on Tactical Combat Casualty Care and how training evolved into an evidence-based model. Training platforms evolved with shifts in mission requirements, new technology, improved medical techniques, and changing protocols. The last portion of this article details recommendations in doctrine, materiel, and training that could enable optimal sustainment standards while retaining operational capability across a wide variety of combat and peace operations. Lessons learned and changes adapted for Medics that are addressed: (1) advances in training and employment of the Combat Medic necessitated by tactics and strategy of current conflicts, (2) Combat Medic regulatory requirements and centralized, just-in-time training, and (3) changes in sustainment training driven by certification requirements and use of medical simulation training centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 1970s, Egon Bitner offered a critique of police academy training, signified by the ability to train compliant soldierbureaucrats rather than competent practitioners. Over the years, subsequent training models have been implemented, evaluated, and modified in an attempt to exceed what has been deemed adequate training. This research provides the first of several outcome evaluations as part of a longitudinal study on the efficacy of problem-based learning in a Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA). Data for this research include survey results for the period of 2009-2012. Early results suggest the problematic nature of the dualistic dilemma within police academy training. Discussed are adaptations in the context of this dilemma. Furthermore, the research explores how environmental factors and broader socialization and acculturation processes should be included within subsequent implementations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main goals for human resources management structures and for armed forces leaders is to maintain all necessary personnel, both qualitatively and quantitatively for operational needs or for full required capabilities. The retention of military personnel is essential to keep morale and unit readiness and to reduce the costs for recruiting, training, replacement of manpower. Retention rates depend not only on money or other social measures. The goal for retention is to keep in use the most valuable resource that belongs to an organization: the human beings and their knowledge. The aim pf this paper is to provide a comparative analysis of retention measures in various countries based on Research and Technology Organisation report released in 2007 and, thus, provide more examples of retention measures as far as the Romanian military system is concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the national level, although the system of evaluation and certification of professional competences is very less developed compared with countries in the European area, by strategic documents on education and training is aimed to develop this system so that it can cover all areas of activity. In this context, the paper proposes the development and authorization of a pilot center for evaluation and certification of professional competences in the defense sector, for military personnel who acquired additional skills, through practice or other means, but does not have an official certificate to this effect, valid for civil professional environment. Development and authorization of the pilot center must start from the most recent European and national legal documents, using an approach consistent with models of good practice at the Euro-Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1872 the Law 16 created the Hungarian Honved Academy "Ludovika" from Budapest. Initially the training of the officers was reduced to one year of classes. In 1883 the length of studies was set to three years. This led to the creation of a real military school. "Ludovika" Academy was not up to par with the military schools of Vienna. At the end of the century the Bánffi Dezsö government took action to create a training conditions fit for a military academy. However, Budapest insured only the training of the infantry and cavalry, the artillery officers and the technical staff were trained in Vienna. A course of artillery training was approved in 1912. Over 580 students from Transylvania (Hungarians, Germans, Jewish, Romanians and other ethnics) studies at the Military Academy in Budapest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutrient intake of male and female Soldiers in the 101 st Airborne Division (Air Assault) compared to sports nutrition standards for athletes, and to identify suboptimal eating characteristics that may impair physical performance and jeopardize military readiness. Male and female Soldiers from the 101 st Airborne Division (Air Assault) completed a 24-hour dietary recall and nutrition history questionnaire before anthropometric and body composition measurements were taken. Compared to sports nutrition guidelines, Soldiers of the 101 st under consume carbohydrates (males: 3.9 ± 2.0 vs. 5.0 g/kg, p < 0.001; females: 4.0 ± 2.1 vs. 5.0 g/kg, p = 0.001), male Soldiers eat too much fat (32.4% of kcal vs. <30% of kcal, p = 0.000) and saturated fat (males: 10.5 ± 3.9% of kcal vs. 10.0% of kcal, p = 0.044), and both males and females follow a meal pattern that may not optimize energy availability throughout the day. Eating too much fat and under fueling carbohydrate may negatively impact the adaptations to physical training and compromise overall health. Although Soldiers continue to participate in arduous training programs, future research should be aimed at determining the energy and macronutrient needs to fuel and recover from specific types of military training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous development of the defence and the Army of the Republic of Macedonia implies necessary and comprehensive analyses and modifications in the military education and training system. The research conducts systematic and methodological analysis of the development and operation of this system. It employs qualitative approach that relates hypotheses, variables and indicators as a whole, and gives a more precise understanding of dependence and changes among them. In particular, the research uses the comparative method, analysis and synthesis, content analysis, interview and a survey questionnaire on a relevant sample of respondents from the MoD, the armed forces of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM), and the Military Academy (MA). The application of these methodological procedures collected objective, complete, verifiable, systematic and accurate experiential data, data with great epistemological value for the occurrence, subject of this research. Time determination of the subject of the research in terms of analyzing the developmental process in education, training and development system in the MoD, ARM and MA covers the period from 1992 to 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study is presented of 23-yr-old soldier presented with heat stroke, exercise associated hyponatremia, and kidney injury while field training.