Warrior Model for Human Performance and Injury Prevention: Eagle Tactical Athlete Program (ETAP) Part I

Area of Science:

• Military medicine
• Sports science
• Occupational health

Background:

• United States military personnel require effective injury prevention and performance optimization strategies.
• Systematic, research-based approaches are needed to identify optimal training activities for soldiers.
• Warrior capabilities depend on minimizing unintentional musculoskeletal injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a comprehensive injury prevention and performance optimization research program with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
• To present findings from the initial three steps: Injury Surveillance, Task and Demand Analysis, and Predictors of Injury and Optimal Performance.
• To modify traditional injury prevention methods for a specific military population.

Main Methods:

• Injury surveillance through self-report among participating soldiers.
• Field-based task and demand analyses of soldiers performing typical duties.
• Laboratory testing of musculoskeletal, biomechanical, physiological, and nutritional characteristics, benchmarked to triathletes.

Main Results:

• Soldiers face risks of preventable musculoskeletal injuries during various activities.
• Field analyses provided data for tailored laboratory testing and intervention design.
• Laboratory results indicated soldiers would benefit from targeted physical training and injury prevention activities.

Conclusions:

• The 101st Airborne Division soldiers experience preventable musculoskeletal injuries.
• Soldiers have unique physical demands requiring specific training interventions.
• Targeted training can improve performance and prevent injuries in military personnel.