Editorial: Military human performance optimization: Contemporary issues for sustained and improved readiness.
Bradley C Nindl1, Heikki Kyröläinen2,3
1Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
This review synthesizes research on military performance, covering physical training, injury prevention, and nutrition. Key findings emphasize optimizing training, understanding sex differences, and leveraging biomarkers for soldier readiness and health.
Area of Science:
- Military performance science
- Sport science
- Exercise physiology
Background:
- This issue presents 8 narrative reviews on military performance.
- Covers physical training, injury, bone health, sex differences, load monitoring, biomarkers, nutrition, and exoskeletons.
Discussion:
- Optimizing physical training involves higher intensity, lower volume.
- Key musculoskeletal injury risks include female sex, prior injury, and low fitness.
- Bone health requires adequate sleep, vitamin D, calcium, and energy availability.
Key Insights:
- Sex differences in military stress responses involve cardiovascular strain, fat oxidation, and psychological health.
- Biomarkers like cortisol and testosterone indicate internal stress levels.
- Physiological training load monitoring requires multiple inputs, not a single measure.
Outlook:
- Nutrition strategies must align with operational demands and nutrient delivery.
- Future exoskeletons will better balance user movement with environmental constraints.
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