Effects of Armor Design and Marksmanship Posture on Performance, Postural Sway and Perceived Workload During a
Kangwon Kim1, Kitae Hwang1, Woojin Park1,2
1Department of Industrial Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
Human Factors
|October 14, 2024
Summary
Reducing tactical vest load mass improves rifle marksmanship and reduces postural sway. Lighter gear and better postural control training enhance soldier performance and lethality.
Area of Science:
- Military Science
- Human Factors Engineering
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Tactical vests are crucial load carriage systems for soldiers.
- Vest design, including combat item mass and vertical center-of-mass, impacts postural control during shooting.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the effects of load mass, vertical center-of-mass, and posture on marksmanship.
- Analyze impact on postural sway and perceived workload during simulated rifle shooting.
Main Methods:
- 32 participants performed simulated rifle tasks with a tactical vest on a force plate.
- Varied load mass (4 levels), vertical load center-of-mass (4 levels), and posture (standing/kneeling).
- Measured marksmanship performance, postural sway, and perceived workload.
Main Results:
- Heavier loads degraded marksmanship, increased sway, and raised workload.
- Kneeling posture improved performance and reduced sway compared to standing.
- Vertical load position had minor effects on marksmanship, no effect on sway or workload.
Conclusions:
- Decreasing combat item mass on tactical vests is key to improving marksmanship.
- Enhancing soldier postural control is vital for lethality.
- Findings support lightweight gear and targeted training for military applications.
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