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Kaya RD, Hastilow K, Owen KM, Zimmerman EM, Rosenfeldt AB, Alberts JL. An Augmented Reality Rifle Qualification Test for Return-to-Duty Assessment in Service Members. Mil Med 2024; 189:2009-2015. [PMID: 38422491 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usae028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Variability in return-to-duty (RTD) decision-making following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a threat to troop readiness. Current RTD assessments lack military-specific tasks and quantitative outcomes to inform stakeholders of a service member's (SM) capacity to successfully perform military duties. Augmented reality (AR), which places digital assets in a user's physical environment, provides a technological vehicle to deliver military-relevant tasks to a SM to be used in the RTD decision-making process. In addition to delivering digital content, AR headsets provide biomechanical data that can be used to assess the integrity of the central nervous system in movement control following mTBI. The objective of this study was to quantify cognitive and motor performance on an AR rifle qualification test (RQT) in a group of neurologically healthy military SMs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were collected from 111 healthy SMs who completed a basic (single-task) and complex (dual-task) RQT with a simulated M4 rifle. The complex scenario required the SM to perform the RQT while simultaneously answering arithmetic problems. Position data from the AR headset were used to capture postural sway, and the built-in microphone gathered responses to the arithmetic problems. RESULTS There were no differences in the number of targets hit, trigger pull reaction time, and transition time from kneeling to standing between the basic and complex scenarios. A significant worsening in postural sway following kneel-to-stand transition was observed in the complex scenario. The average reaction time to answer the arithmetic problems was nearly 2 times slower than the average reaction time to pull the trigger to a displayed target in the complex scenario. CONCLUSION The complex scenario provoked dual-task interference in SMs as evidenced by worsening postural sway and reaction time differences between the cognitive and motor tasks. An AR RQT provides objective and quantitative outcomes during a military-specific task. Greater precision in evaluating cognitive and motor performance during a military-relevant task has the potential to aid in the detection and management of SMs and their RTD following MTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Kaya
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Karissa Hastilow
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kelsey M Owen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Eric M Zimmerman
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Anson B Rosenfeldt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jay L Alberts
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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VanFosson CA. A Conceptual Model of Individual Clinical Readiness. Mil Med 2024:usae215. [PMID: 38771701 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usae215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Force readiness is a priority among senior leaders across all branches of the Department of Defense. Units that do not achieve readiness benchmarks are considered non-deployable until the unit achieves the requisite benchmarks. Because military units are made up of individuals, the unit cannot be ready if the individuals within the unit are not ready. For medical personnel, this refers to one's ability to competently provide patient care in a deployed setting or their individual clinical readiness (ICR). A review of the literature found no conceptual model of ICR. Other potential concepts, such as individual medical readiness, were identified but used inconsistently. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to define ICR and propose a conceptual model to inform future efforts to achieve ICR and facilitate future study of the concept. MATERIALS AND METHODS Model development occurred using a 3-step theoretical model synthesis process. The process included specification of key concepts, identification of related factors and relationships, and organizing them into an integrated network of ideas. RESULTS ICR is the clinically oriented service members' (COSM) ability to meet the demands of the militarily relevant, assigned clinical mission. ICR leads to one's "individual clinical performance," a key concept distinct from ICR. To understand ICR, one must account for "individual characteristics," as well as one's "education," "training," and "exposure." ICR and individual clinical performance are influenced by the "quality of exposure" and the "patient care environment." One's "individual clinical performance" also reciprocally influences the patient care environment, as well as the "team's clinical performance." These factors (individual clinical performance, team clinical performance, and the patient care environment) influence "patient outcomes." In the proposed model, patient outcomes are an indirect result of ICR and its antecedents (personal characteristics, education, training, and exposure); one's individual clinical performance may not be consistent with their ICR. Patient outcomes are also influenced by the "patient environment" (external to the health care environment) and "patient characteristics"; these elements of the model do not influence ICR or individual clinical performance. CONCLUSION Force readiness is a Department of Defense priority. In order for military units to be deployment ready, so too must their personnel be deployment ready. For COSMs, this includes one's ability to competently provide patient care in a deployed setting or their ICR. This article defines ICR, as well as identifies another key concept and other factors associated with ICR. The proposed model is a tool for military medical leaders to communicate with and influence non-medical military leaders in the Department of Defense. Future research is needed to further refine the proposed model, determine the strength of the proposed relationships, and identify interventions to improve ICR.
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Patel RS, Krause-Hauch M, Kenney K, Miles S, Nakase-Richardson R, Patel NA. Long Noncoding RNA VLDLR-AS1 Levels in Serum Correlate with Combat-Related Chronic Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Depression Symptoms in US Veterans. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1473. [PMID: 38338752 PMCID: PMC10855201 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
More than 75% of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are mild (mTBI) and military service members often experience repeated combat-related mTBI. The chronic comorbidities concomitant with repetitive mTBI (rmTBI) include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or neurological dysfunction. This study sought to determine a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression signature in serum samples that correlated with rmTBI years after the incidences. Serum samples were obtained from Long-Term Impact of Military-Relevant Brain-Injury Consortium Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium (LIMBIC CENC) repository, from participants unexposed to TBI or who had rmTBI. Four lncRNAs were identified as consistently present in all samples, as detected via droplet digital PCR and packaged in exosomes enriched for CNS origin. The results, using qPCR, demonstrated that the lncRNA VLDLR-AS1 levels were significantly lower among individuals with rmTBI compared to those with no lifetime TBI. ROC analysis determined an AUC of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.6124 to 0.8741; p = 0.0012). The optimal cutoff for VLDLR-AS1 was ≤153.8 ng. A secondary analysis of clinical data from LIMBIC CENC was conducted to evaluate the psychological symptom burden, and the results show that lncRNAs VLDLR-AS1 and MALAT1 are correlated with symptoms of depression. In conclusion, lncRNA VLDLR-AS1 may serve as a blood biomarker for identifying chronic rmTBI and depression in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha S. Patel
- Research Service, James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital, 13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (R.S.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Meredith Krause-Hauch
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Kimbra Kenney
- Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA;
| | - Shannon Miles
- Research Service, James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital, 13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (R.S.P.); (S.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Risa Nakase-Richardson
- Chief of Staff Office, James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Niketa A. Patel
- Research Service, James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital, 13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (R.S.P.); (S.M.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
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Miller Koop M, Rosenfeldt AB, Owen K, Zimmerman E, Johnston J, Streicher MC, Albright A, Penko AL, Alberts JL. The Microsoft HoloLens 2 Provides Accurate Biomechanical Measures of Performance During Military-Relevant Activities in Healthy Adults. Mil Med 2023; 188:92-101. [PMID: 37948237 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Augmented reality systems, like the HoloLens 2 (HL2), have the potential to provide accurate assessments of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) symptoms in military personnel by simulating complex military scenarios while objectively measuring the user's movements with embedded motion sensors. The aim of this project was to determine if biomechanical measures of marching and squatting, derived from the HL2 motion sensors, were statistically equivalent, within 5%, to metrics derived from the gold-standard three-dimensional motion capture (MoCap) system. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-four adults (18-45 years; 34 males) completed a squatting and a marching task under single- (motor) and dual-task (motor + cognitive) conditions. Positional data from the HL2 and MoCap were simultaneously collected during the tasks and used to calculate and compare biomechanical outcomes. The HL2's augmented reality capabilities were utilized to deliver the cognitive component of the marching dual task. RESULTS Equivalence testing indicated the HL2 and MoCap measures were within 5% in all squatting metrics-trial time, squat duration, squat velocity, squat depth, and dwell time. Marching metrics, including trial time, step count, stepping rate, and step interval, were also equivalent between the two systems. The mean reaction time for responses during the Stroop test was 810 (125) milliseconds per response. CONCLUSIONS Biomechanical outcomes characterizing performance during two common military movements, squatting and marching, were equivalent between the HL2 and MoCap systems in healthy adults. Squatting and marching are two military-relevant tasks that require strength, motor coordination, and balance to perform, all of which are known to be affected by mTBI. Taken together, the data provide support for using the HL2 platform to deliver military-specific assessment scenarios and accurately measure performance during these activities. Utilizing objective and quantitative measures of motor function may enhance the management of military mTBI and reduce unnecessary risk to service members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Miller Koop
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Anson B Rosenfeldt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kelsey Owen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Eric Zimmerman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Joshua Johnston
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Matthew C Streicher
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Alec Albright
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Amanda L Penko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jay L Alberts
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Rosenfeldt AB, Kaya RD, Owen K, Hastilow K, Scelina K, Scelina L, Miller Koop M, Zimmerman E, Alberts JL. Development of the Troop Readiness Evaluation With Augmented Reality Return-to-Duty (Troop READY) Platform to Aid in the Detection and Treatment of Military Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Mil Med 2023; 188:67-74. [PMID: 37948246 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is prevalent in service members (SMs); however, there is a lack of consensus on the appropriate approach to return to duty (RTD). Head-mounted augmented reality technology, such as the HoloLens 2, can create immersive, salient environments to more effectively evaluate relevant military task performance. The Troop Readiness Evaluation with Augmented Reality Return-to-Duty (READY) platform was developed to objectively quantify cognitive and motor performance during military-specific activities to create a comprehensive approach to aid in mTBI detection and facilitate appropriate RTD. The aim of this project was to detail the technical development of the Troop READY platform, the outcomes, and its potential role in the aiding detection and RTD decision-making post mTBI. The secondary aim included evaluating the safety, feasibility, and SM usability of the Troop READY platform. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Troop READY platform comprises three assessment modules of progressing complexity: (1) Static and Dynamic Mobility, (2) Rifle Qualification Test, and (3) Small Unit Operations Capacity-Room Breach/Clearing Exercise. The modules were completed by 137 active duty SMs. Safety was assessed through monitoring of adverse events. Feasibility was assessed using the self-directed module completion rate. Usability was measured using the Systems Usability Scale. RESULTS No adverse events occurred. Completion rates of the three modules ranged from 98 to 100%. In terms of usability, the mean Systems Usability Scale score of all participants was 83.92 (13.95), placing the Troop READY platform in the good-to-excellent category. Objective motor and cognitive outcomes were generated for each module. CONCLUSION The Troop READY platform delivers self-directed, salient assessment modules to quantify single-task, dual-task, and unit-based performance in SMs. The resultant data provide insight into SM performance through objective outcomes and identify specific areas of executive or motor function that may be slow to recover following mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anson B Rosenfeldt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Ryan D Kaya
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kelsey Owen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Karissa Hastilow
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kathryn Scelina
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Logan Scelina
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Mandy Miller Koop
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Eric Zimmerman
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jay L Alberts
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Jurick SM, McCabe CT, Watrous JR, MacGregor AJ, Walton SR, Stewart IJ, Walker LE, Galarneau MR. Associations between health-related behaviors and self-reported cognitive symptoms in U.S. military personnel injured on deployment. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 165:48-55. [PMID: 37459778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Health behaviors may be core contributors to cognition and mental health following mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aims of the present study examined: (1) whether health behaviors including sleep duration, alcohol use, and physical activity differed in injured military personnel with and without deployment-related mild TBI history and (2) the relative contributions of health behaviors and deployment-related mild TBI history to self-reported cognitive, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depressive symptoms. Participants included 3076 military personnel injured on deployment participating in the Wounded Warrior Recovery Project, an ongoing web-based study. Military personnel with deployment-related mild TBI history reported similar rates of physical activity and levels of alcohol problems as those without, but were less likely to report receiving the recommended duration of sleep. When adjusting for demographic and injury variables, all three health behaviors were associated with cognitive, PTSD, and depressive symptoms. Alcohol problems demonstrated significant but small effects across all outcomes measures (ηp2=.01) whereas physical activity was associated with slightly larger effects albeit still within the small range (ηp2=.02-0.04). Duration of sleep bordered a medium effect for cognitive symptoms (ηp2=.05) and was in the medium range for PTSD and depressive symptoms (ηp2=.06). Although deployment-related mild TBI history was significant in all models, effect sizes were small (ηp2=.01). Findings from the present study provide support that health behaviors have stronger effects with regard to cognitive, PTSD, and depressive symptoms compared to deployment-related mild TBI history in military personnel and, given their modifiable nature, may represent treatment targets in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Jurick
- Leidos, 4161 Campus Point Ct, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA; Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA.
| | - Cameron T McCabe
- Leidos, 4161 Campus Point Ct, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA; Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA; Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Jessica R Watrous
- Leidos, 4161 Campus Point Ct, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA; Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA; Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Andrew J MacGregor
- Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA
| | - Samuel R Walton
- School of Medicine Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1201 E Marshall St #4-100, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Ian J Stewart
- Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Lauren E Walker
- David Grant USAF Medical Center, 101 Bodin Circle, Bldg. 777, Travis AFB, CA, 94535, USA
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Lee JEC, Coulthard J. Using a Workplace Rehabilitation and Reintegration Program Tracker Tool to Explore Factors Associated With Return to Duty Among Ill/Injured Military Personnel: A Preliminary Analysis. Mil Med 2023; 188:2862-2867. [PMID: 35996980 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A great deal of time and resources have been spent on developing and implementing evidence-based return to work programs over the past few decades, compelling researchers to better understand the factors associated with more favorable outcomes. Using data collected as part of a participant tracking system trial for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Return to Duty (RTD) program, analyses were conducted to better understand the trajectories of program participants and identify the factors associated with RTD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants included 205 Regular Force CAF members from a single military base located in Eastern Canada who entered the RTD program during the trial period between April 2018 and March 2020. The health condition they were facing was mostly recent (i.e., onset within the past 6 months; 43%) and involved their mental health (67%). Data were collected on various demographic, military, health, and program characteristics using the RTD Data Collection Tool, which was updated periodically by program coordinators. Using data gathered by the Tool, a cumulative incidence function was generated to estimate the overall marginal probability of RTD over the duration of the program. Associations between RTD and a range of factors that were captured using the Tool were also examined in a series of competing-risks regressions. RESULTS Findings indicated that the rate of RTD among program participants increased at around 3 months and began to level off around 9 months, suggesting that the likelihood of RTD after this window is diminished. Of the many factors that were considered, only years of service and work placement status at 3 months were found to be associated with RTD. Specifically, lower rates of RTD were observed among participants with 15 or more years of service compared to those with less than 5 years of service in the CAF and among those who were not yet assigned a work placement at 3 months relative to those who were. CONCLUSION This study represents a first step in addressing the gap in our current knowledge about the characteristics of CAF members participating in the RTD program and the factors associated with RTD. Several recommendations are made for improving the participant tracking system in view of enhancing the level and quality of information that is available to assess participants' trajectories and inform further development of the program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E C Lee
- Department of National Defence, Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis, Ottawa, ON K1A0K6, Canada
| | - Julie Coulthard
- Department of National Defence, Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis, Ottawa, ON K1A0K6, Canada
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Favorov O, Kursun O, Challener T, Cecchini A, McCulloch KL. Wearable Sensors Detect Movement Differences in the Portable Warrior Test of Tactical Agility After mTBI in Service Members. Mil Med 2023; 188:e637-e645. [PMID: 34476483 PMCID: PMC10026617 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Assessment of functional recovery of service members following a concussion is central to their return to duty. Practical military-relevant performance-based tests are needed for identifying those who might need specialized rehabilitation, for evaluating the progress of recovery, and for making return-to-duty determinations. One such recently developed test is the 'Portable Warrior Test of Tactical Agility' (POWAR-TOTAL) assessment designed for use following concussion in an active duty population. This agility task involves maneuvers used in military training, such as rapid stand-to-prone and prone-to-stand transitions, combat rolls, and forward and backward running. The effect of concussion on the performance of such maneuvers has not been established. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Institutional Review Board-approved study was conducted at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, on 57 healthy control (HC) service members (SMs) and 42 well-matched SMs who were diagnosed with concussion and were referred for physical therapy with the intent to return to duty. Each study participant performed five consecutive trials of the POWAR-TOTAL task at full exertion while wearing inertial sensors, which were used to identify the constituent task maneuvers, or phases, and measure their durations. Statistical analyses were performed on durations of three main phases: (1) rising from prone and running, (2) lowering from vertical to prone, and (3) combat rolls. RESULTS None of the three phases showed significant correlation with age (range 18-45 years) in either group. Gradual improvement in all three phase durations across five trials was observed in the HC group, but not in the concussed group. On average, control subjects performed significantly faster (P < .004 or less) than concussed subjects in all trials in the lowering and rolling phases, but less so in the rising/running phase. Membership in the concussed group had a strong effect on the lowering phase (Cohen's d = 1.05), medium effect on the rolling phase (d = 0.72), and small effect on the rising/running phase (d = 0.49). Individuals in the HC group who had a history of prior concussions were intermediate between the concussed group and the never-concussed group in the lowering and rolling phases. Duration of transitional movements (lowering from standing to prone and combat rolls) was better at differentiating individuals' performance by group (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve [AUC] = 0.83) than the duration of the entire POWAR-TOTAL task (AUC = 0.71). CONCLUSIONS Inertial sensor analysis reveals that rapid transitional movements (such as lowering from vertical to prone position and combat rolls) are particularly discriminative between SMs recovering from concussion and their concussion-free peers. This analysis supports the validity of POWAR-TOTAL as a useful tool for therapists who serve military SMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Favorov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7575, USA
| | - Olcay Kursun
- Department of Computer Science, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR 72305, USA
| | - Timothy Challener
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7575, USA
| | - Amy Cecchini
- Geneva Foundation, Intrepid Spirit Center, Fort Bragg, NC 28307, USA
| | - Karen L McCulloch
- CB 7135, Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7135, USA
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Cecchini AS, Prim J, Zhang W, Harrison CH, McCulloch KL. The Portable Warrior Test of Tactical Agility: A Novel Functional Assessment That Discriminates Service Members Diagnosed With Concussion From Controls. Mil Med 2023; 188:e703-e710. [PMID: 34414438 PMCID: PMC10026616 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Return-to-duty (RTD) readiness assessment for service members (SM) following concussion requires complex clinical considerations. The Portable Warrior Test of Tactical Agility (POWAR-TOTAL) is a functional assessment which improves on previous laboratory-based RTD assessments. METHODS Sixty-four SM diagnosed with concussion and 60 healthy control (HC) SM participated in this study. Group differences were analyzed to validate the POWAR-TOTAL. The High-level Mobility Assessment Test (HiMAT) was used to examine concurrent construct validity. An exploratory logistic regression analysis examined predictive validity. RESULTS The groups were demographically well-matched except for educational level. POWAR-TOTAL measures were statistically significantly different between the groups with moderate to large effect sizes. Concussed participants were less likely to be able to complete all trials of the POWAR-TOTAL. Motor scores correlated highly with HiMAT scores. POWAR-TOTAL motor task performance and membership in the control group was significantly associated with self-reported physical readiness to deploy. CONCLUSION The POWAR-TOTAL is a clinically feasible, military relevant assessment that is sensitive to differences between concussed and HC SM. This analysis supports the discriminant and construct validity of the POWAR-TOTAL, and may be useful for medical providers evaluating RTD readiness for SM who have sustained a concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Seal Cecchini
- Geneva Foundation, Ft. Bragg Intrepid Spirit Center, Womack Army Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC 28310, USA
| | - Julianna Prim
- Division of Physical Therapy and Curriculum in Human Movement Science, Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Medicine UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7135, USA
| | - Wanqing Zhang
- Office of Research, Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Medicine UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7120, USA
| | - Courtney H Harrison
- Division of Physical Therapy and Curriculum in Human Movement Science, Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Medicine UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7135, USA
| | - Karen L McCulloch
- Division of Physical Therapy and Curriculum in Human Movement Science, Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Medicine UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7135, USA
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Zalneraitis BH, Drayer NJ, Nowak MJ, Ardavanis KS, Powlan FJ, Masini BD, Kang DG. Is Self-reported Return to Duty an Adequate Indicator of Return to Sport and/or Return to Function in Military Patients? Clin Orthop Relat Res 2021; 479:2411-2418. [PMID: 34061814 PMCID: PMC8509903 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000001840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the military, return-to-duty status has commonly been used as a functional outcome measure after orthopaedic surgery. This is sometimes regarded similarly to return to sports or as an indicator of return to full function. However, there is variability in how return-to-duty data are reported in clinical research studies, and it is unclear whether return-to-duty status alone can be used as a surrogate for return to sport or whether it is a useful marker for return to full function. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES (1) What proportion of military patients who reported return to duty also returned to athletic participation as defined by self-reported level of physical activity? (2) What proportion of military patients who reported return to duty reported other indicators of decreased function (such as nondeployability, change in work type or level, or medical evaluation board)? METHODS Preoperative and postoperative self-reported physical profile status (mandated physical limitation), physical activity status, work status, deployment status, military occupation specialty changes, and medical evaluation board status were retrospectively reviewed for all active-duty soldiers who underwent orthopaedic surgery at Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord from February 2017 to October 2018. Survey data were collected on patients preoperatively and 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively in all subspecialty and general orthopaedic clinics. Patients were considered potentially eligible if they were on active-duty status at the time of their surgery and consented to the survey (1319 patients). A total of 89% (1175) were excluded since they did not have survey data at the 1 year mark. Of the remaining 144 patients, 9% (13) were excluded due to the same patient having undergone multiple procedures, and 2% (3) were excluded for incomplete data. This left 10% (128) of the original group available for analysis. Ninety-eight patients reported not having a physical profile at their latest postoperative visit; however, 14 of these patients also stated they were retired from the military, leaving 84 patients in the return-to-duty group. Self-reported "full-time duty with no restrictions" was originally used as the indicator for return to duty; however, the authors felt this to be too vague and instead used soldiers' self-reported profile status as a more specific indicator of return to duty. Mean length of follow-up was 13 ± 3 months. Eighty-three percent (70 of 84) of patients were men. Mean age at the preoperative visit was 35 ± 8 years. The most common surgery types were sports shoulder (n = 22) and sports knee (n = 14). The subgroups were too small to analyze by orthopaedic procedure. Based on active-duty status and requirements of the military profession, all patients were considered physically active before their injury or surgery. Return to sport was determined by asking patients how their level of physical activity compared with their level before their injury (higher, same, or lower). We identified the number of other indicators that may suggest decreased function by investigating change in work type/level, self-reported nondeployability, or medical evaluation board. This was performed with a simple survey. RESULTS Of the 84 patients reporting return to duty at the final follow-up, 67% (56) reported an overall lower level of physical activity. Twenty-seven percent (23) reported not returning to the same work level, 32% (27) reported being nondeployable, 23% (19) reported undergoing a medical evaluation board (evaluation for medical separation from the military), and 11% (9) reported a change in military occupation specialty (change of job description). CONCLUSION Return to duty is commonly reported in military orthopaedics to describe postoperative functional outcome. Although self-reported return to duty may have value for military study populations, based on the findings of this investigation, surgeons should not consider return to duty a marker of return to sport or return to full function. However, further investigation is required to see to what degree this general conclusion applies to the various orthopaedic subspecialties and to ascertain how self-reported return to duty compares with specific outcome measures used for particular procedures and subspecialties. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, therapeutic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Holt Zalneraitis
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Drayer
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, USA
| | - Matthew J. Nowak
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, USA
| | - Kyle S. Ardavanis
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, USA
| | | | - Brendan D. Masini
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, USA
| | - Daniel G. Kang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, USA
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Ettenhofer ML, Remigio-Baker RA, Bailie JM, Cole WR, Gregory E. Best Practices for Progressive Return to Activity after Concussion: Lessons Learned from a Prospective Study of U.S. Military Service Members. Neurotrauma Rep 2020; 1:137-145. [PMID: 33274343 PMCID: PMC7703689 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2020.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary care providers can play a crucial role in the clinical management of concussion. However, many providers lack up-to-date information about best practices for rest and return to activity after these injuries. Most research on this topic has been conducted in athletes, and so less is known about how to assist patients with returning to activity in other settings and populations. This article provides a review of best practices for management of progressive return to activity after concussion, with an emphasis on "lessons learned" from the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) Progressive Return to Activity (PRA) study, a multi-site longitudinal research project conducted to evaluate concussion management practices and the effectiveness of provider training on DVBIC clinical recommendations (CRs). Provider clinical practices and patient outcomes were examined at three U.S. military treatment facilities before and after providers completed a standardized training on DVBIC PRA CRs. In summary, research findings provide additional support that concussion recovery can be influenced by patients' activity levels after injury. Patients with concussion may experience poorer outcomes if they return to pre-injury levels of activity too rapidly, but they may also be at risk for prolonged symptoms if they fail to increase activity levels over time after an initial period of rest. Additionally, training primary care providers in return to activity guidelines can result in more effective patient education and better clinical outcomes. This knowledge can be used to inform best practices for progressive return to activity in both civilian and military settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L. Ettenhofer
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rosemay A. Remigio-Baker
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Camp Pendleton, California, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jason M. Bailie
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
- Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Camp Pendleton, California, USA
| | - Wesley R. Cole
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emma Gregory
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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Belanger HG. Introduction to a special issue on military neuropsychology: Serving those who serve. Clin Neuropsychol 2020; 34:1065-1069. [PMID: 32619383 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2020.1786605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The military has a long history with neuropsychology and its precursors. From developing intelligence tests during World War I, to developing early capacity and personality assessments during World War II, to forward deploying for the evaluation and treatment of frequent concussive brain injuries during more recent conflicts, clinical neuropsychology has been at the forefront of military selection, healthcare and research. The objective of this special issue is to provide an overview of the latest clinical research relevant to military neuropsychology-some contributors address assessment and treatment issues that are relevant to current practice and others foretell the future of our field. METHOD We solicited papers from established researchers and issued a general call for papers for the special issue on military neuropsychology. Results: We received submissions from several authors, eleven of which are included in this issue. These submissions cover assessment and treatment issues, as well as healthcare utilization and return to duty issues. Two apparent themes are the importance of assessing, treating, and attending to comorbidities following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and future assessment techniques moving beyond traditional cognitive performance assessment. CONCLUSIONS The issue highlights the importance of research in clinical neuropsychology to the practice and advancement of military neuropsychology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather G Belanger
- United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.,St Michael's Inc, Tampa, FL, USA
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