Anthropometrics and body composition predict performance during a simulated direct-fire engagement.
Ergonomics
; 66(7): 904-915, 2023 Jul.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36006381
ABSTRACT
This study determined anthropometric and body composition predictors of performance during a simulated direct-fire engagement. Healthy subjects (N = 33, age = 25.7 ± 7.0 yr) underwent anthropometric and body composition assessments before completing a simulated direct-fire engagement - consisting of marksmanship with cognitive workload assessment and a fire-and-move drill (16 × 6-m sprints) while wearing combat load. Susceptibility to enemy fire was modelled on sprint duration. Partial correlations and multiple linear regressions established the relationships between predictors and performance outcomes, controlling for age and sex. Significance was p ≤ 0.05. Higher percent body fat, fat mass, fight load index predicted greater susceptibility to enemy fire (r = 0.40 to 0.42) and lower cognitive performance (r= -0.45 to -0.49). Higher BMI also predicted lower cognitive performance (r= -0.49). Shorter stature/hand length predicted higher marksmanship accuracy (r= -0.40), while higher fat-free mass/fat-free mass index predicted slower reaction times (r = 0.36-0.41). These data suggest anthropometric and body composition measures modulate combat effectiveness and reinforce body composition standards in military organisations.Practitioner summary:
This study identified field-expedient anthropometric and body composition predictors of a simulated direct-fire engagement that evaluated survivability (i.e. susceptibility to enemy fire) and lethality (i.e. marksmanship, cognitive performance) outcomes. Our findings suggest that anthropometric and body composition measures may play a role in soldier survivability and lethality during simulated direct-fire engagements.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Composição Corporal
/
Militares
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Ergonomics
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos