DTIC ADA502544: Optimizing Operational Physical Fitness (Optimisation de L'Aptitude Physique Operationnelle)

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by  Defense Technical Information Center

NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
ORGANISATION ORGANISATION

www.rto.nato.int
AC/323(HFM-080)TP/200

RTO TECHNICAL REPORT TR-HFM-080

Optimizing Operational Physical Fitness
(Optimisation de l’aptitude physique opérationnelle)
Final Report of Task Group 019.

Published January 2009

Distribution and Availability on Back Cover

NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
ORGANISATION ORGANISATION

www.rto.nato.int
AC/323(HFM-080)TP/200

RTO TECHNICAL REPORT TR-HFM-080

Optimizing Operational Physical Fitness
(Optimisation de l’aptitude physique opérationnelle)

Final Report of Task Group 019.
The Research and Technology
Organisation (RTO) of NATO
RTO is the single focus in NATO for Defence Research and Technology activities. Its mission is to conduct and promote
co-operative research and information exchange. The objective is to support the development and effective use of
national defence research and technology and to meet the military needs of the Alliance, to maintain a technological
lead, and to provide advice to NATO and national decision makers. The RTO performs its mission with the support of an
extensive network of national experts. It also ensures effective co-ordination with other NATO bodies involved in R&T
activities.
RTO reports both to the Military Committee of NATO and to the Conference of National Armament Directors.
It comprises a Research and Technology Board (RTB) as the highest level of national representation and the Research
and Technology Agency (RTA), a dedicated staff with its headquarters in Neuilly, near Paris, France. In order to
facilitate contacts with the military users and other NATO activities, a small part of the RTA staff is located in NATO
Headquarters in Brussels. The Brussels staff also co-ordinates RTO’s co-operation with nations in Middle and Eastern
Europe, to which RTO attaches particular importance especially as working together in the field of research is one of the
more promising areas of co-operation.
The total spectrum of R&T activities is covered by the following 7 bodies:
• AVT Applied Vehicle Technology Panel
• HFM Human Factors and Medicine Panel
• IST Information Systems Technology Panel
• NMSG NATO Modelling and Simulation Group
• SAS System Analysis and Studies Panel
• SCI Systems Concepts and Integration Panel
• SET Sensors and Electronics Technology Panel
These bodies are made up of national representatives as well as generally recognised ‘world class’ scientists. They also
provide a communication link to military users and other NATO bodies. RTO’s scientific and technological work is
carried out by Technical Teams, created for specific activities and with a specific duration. Such Technical Teams can
organise workshops, symposia, field trials, lecture series and training courses. An important function of these Technical
Teams is to ensure the continuity of the expert networks.
RTO builds upon earlier co-operation in defence research and technology as set-up under the Advisory Group for
Aerospace Research and Development (AGARD) and the Defence Research Group (DRG). AGARD and the DRG share
common roots in that they were both established at the initiative of Dr Theodore von Kármán, a leading aerospace
scientist, who early on recognised the importance of scientific support for the Allied Armed Forces. RTO is capitalising
on these common roots in order to provide the Alliance and the NATO nations with a strong scientific and technological
basis that will guarantee a solid base for the future.
The content of this publication has been reproduced
directly from material supplied by RTO or the authors.
Published January 2009
Copyright © RTO/NATO 2009
All Rights Reserved

ISBN 978-92-837-0052-4
Single copies of this publication or of a part of it may be made for individual use only. The approval of the RTA
Information Management Systems Branch is required for more than one copy to be made or an extract included in
another publication. Requests to do so should be sent to the address on the back cover.
ii RTO-TR-HFM-080
Table of Contents
Page
List of Figures xi
List of Tables xiv
Foreword xvii
HFM-080 Membership List xviii
Executive Summary and Synthèse ES-1
Chapter 1 – Introduction 1-1
by S. Jaenen
Abstract 1-1
1.1 Background 1-1
1.2 RSG 4 1-1
1.3 RSG 8 1-2
1.4 RSG 17 1-2
1.5 Workshop on Optimizing the Performance of Women in the Armed Forces of NATO 1-2
1.6 Objectives and Scope of RTG-019: Optimizing Operational Physical Fitness 1-3
1.7 Structure of the Technical Report 1-4
1.8 Intended Customer 1-5
1.9 References 1-5
Chapter 2 – Identification of Common Military Tasks 2-1
by S. Jaenen
2.1 Background 2-1
2.2 Canadian Forces 2-1
2.3 Dutch Army 2-2
2.4 United Kingdom 2-3
2.5 United States 2-3
2.6 Summary of the Identification of Common Military Tasks 2-5
2.7 References 2-5
Chapter 3 – Common Military Task: Marching 3-1
by J. van Dijk
3.1 Introduction 3-1
3.2 Loads Carried by Units in Military Operations 3-2
3.3 Combat Load Definitions 3-5
3.3.1 Fighting Load 3-6
3.3.2 Approach March Load 3-6
RTO-TR-HFM-080 iii
3.3.3 Emergency Approach March Loads 3-6
3.4 Energy Cost of Marching 3-7
3.5 Physiological Determinants of March Performance 3-10
3.6 Testing of March Performance 3-13
3.7 Training for Marching 3-15
3.8 Injuries Related to Marching 3-19
3.9 March Performance, Guidelines to Field Commanders 3-22
3.9.1 Ability to Complete the Road March as Rapidly as Possible 3-22
3.9.2 The Ability to Perform on Essential Soldiering Tasks During and/or After the March 3-28
3.10 Load Management 3-30
3.11 Conclusions 3-32
3.12 References 3-35
Appendix 3A-1 3-44
Appendix 3A-2 3-45
Appendix 3A-3 3-46
Chapter 4 – Common Military Task: Digging 4-1
by V. René Nevola
Abstract 4-1
4.1 Introduction 4-1
4.2 Objective 4-2
4.3 This Review: Scope and Focus 4-2
4.3.1 Searches Conducted and Criteria Used 4-3
4.4 Digging as a Bona Fide Occupational Requirement 4-3
4.4.1 Military Relevance (Infantry and Engineers) 4-4
4.5 Intensity and Duration of Common Digging Tasks 4-6
4.5.1 Results of Laboratory and Field Studies 4-6
4.5.2 Throw Height and Throw Distance 4-7
4.5.3 Blade Size and Shape 4-8
4.5.4 Shovelling Rate and Blade Load 4-8
4.5.5 Posture and Technique 4-11
4.5.6 Nature of the Material 4-13
4.5.7 Subjective Assessment of Strain During Digging 4-14
4.5.8 Clothing (Dress Order) 4-15
4.5.9 Lift Angle 4-15
4.5.10 Biomechanics: Effect of Posture and Technique on Task Performance 4-16
4.5.11 Shovel Design 4-20
4.5.12 External Work and Energy Expenditure of Digging Tasks 4-22
4.6 Common Military Tasks (CMT) 4-25
4.6.1 CMT Analysis 4-26
4.7 Digging Equipment (Manual Labour) 4-28
4.7.1 Tools Used to Loosen the Ground Surface 4-30
4.7.2 Tools Used to Cut and Displace Material 4-30
4.8 Physical Demands of CMTs: Physiological Requirements 4-30
4.8.1 Physiological 4-36
iv RTO-TR-HFM-080
4.8.2 Biomechanical 4-37
4.8.3 Factors that Influence the Physical Demands of CMTs 4-37
4.9 Tests to Predict ‘Digging’ Performance 4-38
4.9.1 Content (Criterion-Based Tests and Simulations) 4-42
4.9.2 Construct (Indirect Tests to Predict CMT Performance) 4-47
4.9.3 The Relationship Between CMT, Criterion-Test and Job Performance 4-49
4.10 Training to Improve ‘Digging’ Performance 4-52
4.11 Conclusions 4-52
4.12 References 4-53
Appendix 4A-1 4-58
Appendix 4A-2 4-59
Appendix 4A-3 4-64
Appendix 4A-4 4-65
Appendix 4A-5 4-66
Chapter 5 – Common Military Task: Materials Handling 5-1
by M. Sharp, M. Rosenberger and J. Knapik
5.1 Introduction 5-2
5.1.1 Definition of Manual Materials Handling 5-2
5.1.2 Injuries During Manual Material Handling 5-2
5.1.3 Variability of MMH Tasks 5-2
5.2 Description of Military Manual Material Handling Tasks 5-3
5.2.1 Recommended Limits or Standards Set for L-L&C Tasks 5-3
5.2.2 Physical Characteristics of Objects Handled by Military Personnel 5-3
5.2.3 Scope of Military Lifting and Lifting and Carrying Tasks 5-4
5.2.3.1 Loads Lifted and Carried 5-4
5.2.3.2 Heights for Loads Lifted and Carried 5-5
5.2.3.3 Carry Distances for Loads Lifted and Carried 5-5
5.2.3.4 Scope of US Army Lifting/Lowering Tasks 5-5
5.2.4 Scope of Military Team Tasks 5-5
5.2.4.1 Military Team Lifting Limits 5-6
5.2.4.2 Assessment of Team Lifting 5-6
5.2.4.3 Maximum Acceptable Weight of Lift for Teams 5-7
5.2.4.4 Military Team Task Loads and Gender Differences 5-8
5.2.4.5 Prediction of Team Manual Materials Handling Performance 5-9
5.3 Physiological Requirements 5-10
5.3.1 Technique 5-10
5.3.2 Object/Task Variables 5-10
5.3.3 Physiological Limits for Repetitive L-L&C Tasks 5-13
5.4 Evaluation of L-L&C Performance 5-14
5.4.1 One-Repetition Maximum (1RM) Lift 5-14
5.4.2 Repetitive Lifting 5-14
5.4.3 Repetitive Lifting Maximal Oxygen Uptake 5-14
5.4.4 Maximal Effort Timed Repetitive Lifting Test 5-15
5.4.5 Maximum Acceptable Weight of Lift (MAWL) 5-15
RTO-TR-HFM-080 v
5.4.6 Completion of a Set Amount of Work 5-15
5.4.7 Timed Work Rate to Exhaustion 5-15
5.4.8 Continuous and Repetitive Carrying 5-15
5.5 NATO Forces Prediction of MMH Performance 5-16
5.5.1 British Army Program 5-16
5.5.2 U.S. Air Force Program 5-17
5.5.3 U.S. Army Program 5-17
5.5.4 Canadian Forces Program 5-18
5.5.5 Royal Netherlands Army Program 5-19
5.6 Training for Manual Materials Handling 5-19
5.6.1 Training Types 5-20
5.6.1.1 Task Specific Training 5-20
5.6.1.2 General Training 5-22
5.6.2 Applications 5-25
5.7 Conclusions/Recommendations 5-25
5.7.1 Military Lifting Requirements 5-25
5.7.2 Recommended L-L&C Limits 5-25
5.7.3 Team Lifting 5-25
5.7.4 Physiological Requirements 5-26
5.7.5 Evaluation of L-L&C Task Performance 5-26
5.7.6 Training 5-26
5.8 References 5-27
Appendix 5A-1 – Load Limit Recommendations 5-37
Chapter 6 – Evidenced-Based Job Analysis and Methodology to Determine 6-1
Physical Requirements of Special Military Occupations
by G.Ch. Eisinger, P. Wittels, R. Enne, M. Zeilinger, W. Rausch, T. Hölzl, G. Dorner and
N. Bachl
Abstract 6-1
6.1 Introduction 6-2
6.2 Methods 6-3
6.2.1 Qualitative Approach 6-4
6.2.1.1 Questionnaire 6-5
6.2.1.2 Experts 6-6
6.2.1.3 Used Terminology/Sports Motor Components 6-6
6.2.2 Quantitative Approach 6-7
6.2.2.1 Test Battery 6-7
6.2.2.2 Probands 6-8
6.2.2.3 Data Processing 6-8
6.3 Results 6-9
6.3.1 Qualitative Results 6-9
6.3.1.1 Sports Motor Target Profile for Direct Action Operators 6-9
6.3.1.2 Sports Motor Target Profile for Close Combat Specialists 6-10
6.3.1.3 Sports Motor Target Profile for Alpine Specialists 6-11
6.3.1.4 Sports Motor Target Profile for Combat Diving Specialist 6-12
6.3.1.5 Sports Motor Target Profile for Sky Diving Specialists 6-13
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6.3.1.6 Overview of the Derived Sports Motor Target Profiles 6-14
6.3.1.7 Sports Motor Target Profile for Special Forces Soldiers 6-14
6.3.1.8 Summary of the Qualitative Approach 6-16
6.3.2 Generation of Hypotheses Based on the Findings of the Qualitative Approach 6-17
6.3.3 Quantitative Results 6-17
6.3.3.1 Results of the Test Battery 6-18
6.3.3.2 Identification of Key-Qualifications 6-21
6.3.3.3 Characteristic of the Other Soldier Population 6-21
6.3.3.4 Hypotheses Testing 6-22
6.3.3.5 Current-Status Profiles of Special Forces Soldiers Compared to Other 6-23
Soldier Collectives
6.3.3.6 Development of Minimal Requirements 6-24
6.3.3.7 Summary of the Quantitative Findings 6-24
6.3.4 Declaration of Key-Qualification for Special Forces Operators 6-26
6.4 Practical Applications of the Generated Knowledge 6-28
6.4.1 Evaluating or Establishing Military Selection Procedures 6-28
6.4.2 Development of Individual Training Recommendations 6-29
6.4.3 Development of Special Forces Specific Individual and Group Training 6-30
Recommendations
6.5 Discussion 6-31
6.6 Acknowledgement 6-32
6.7 References 6-32
Appendix 6A-1 – Test Standards 6-35
Appendix 6A-2 – Guided Interview 6-46
Appendix 6A-3 – Questionnaire 6-50
Chapter 7 – Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Affecting Operational Physical 7-1
Performance
Section 7.1 – Introduction 7-1
Section 7.2 – Effects of Age on Operational Physical Performance 7-2
by D. Leyk, O. Erley and J. Bilzon
Abstract 7-2
7.2.1 Background 7-2
7.2.2 Age-Related Changes in Muscular Strength 7-2
7.2.3 Age-Related Changes in Endurance 7-3
7.2.4 Preventive Measures to Counter Age-Related Changes 7-4
7.2.5 References 7-5
Section 7.3 – Effects of Gender on Operational Physical Performance 7-8
by D. Leyk
Abstract 7-8
7.3.1 Background 7-8
7.3.2 Gender Differences in Physical Performance 7-8
7.3.2.1 Muscular Strength 7-8
7.3.2.2 Endurance Capacity 7-9
RTO-TR-HFM-080 vii
7.3.3 Preventive Measures to Minimize Negative Effects (Trainability of Men and Women) 7-10
7.3.4 References 7-11
Section 7.4 – Effects of Variability in Body Dimensions on Operational Physical Performance 7-13
by D. Leyk
Abstract 7-13
7.4.1 Background 7-13
7.4.2 Impact of Body Weight and Body Composition on Physical Performance 7-13
7.4.2.1 Laboratory Techniques 7-14
7.4.2.2 Field Techniques 7-14
7.4.2.3 Muscular Strength 7-14
7.4.2.4 Endurance Capacity 7-14
7.4.3 Improvements in Body Weight and Body Composition 7-15
7.4.4 References 7-15
Section 7.5 – Influence of Genetic Variation on Operational Physical Performance 7-17
by X. Bigard
Abstract 7-17
7.5.1 The Angiotensin-1-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Gene Polymorphism and Human 7-17
Performance
7.5.2 Human ACE Polymorphism and Diseases Related to Military Environment 7-18
7.5.3 Other Gene Variations Associated with Individual Differences in Responses to Stress 7-19
7.5.4 Summary 7-19
7.5.5 References 7-19
Section 7.6 – Nutrition as a Factor Influencing Military Performance 7-21
by X. Bigard
Abstract 7-21
7.6.1 Energy Requirements During Military Operations 7-21
7.6.2 Consequences of Underfeeding 7-22
7.6.2.1 Short-Term Effects 7-22
7.6.2.2 Long-Term Effects 7-22
7.6.3 Common Dietary Guidelines for Good Health in Garrison 7-22
7.6.4 General Guidelines for Military Rations 7-23
7.6.5 Are Nutritional Ergogenic Aids Recommended? 7-23
7.6.6 Fluid Replacement During Military Operations 7-23
7.6.6.1 Fluid Replacement 7-23
7.6.6.2 Potential Use of Dietary Liquid Carbohydrate Supplementation 7-24
7.6.6.3 Water Availability, a Key Issue in the Field 7-24
7.6.7 Impact of Environmental Conditions on Nutritional Needs 7-24
7.6.7.1 Hot Environments 7-24
7.6.7.2 Cold Environments 7-25
7.6.7.3 High Altitude 7-25
7.6.8 References 7-26
Section 7.7 – Effects of Heat on Operational Physical Performance 7-28
by J.A. Hodgdon
7.7.1 Effects of Increased Ambient Temperature and Humidity 7-28
viii RTO-TR-HFM-080