Cadet Soldier Centric SE Project 1

Soldier Load Effects Measurement Methodology The first project briefing summarized work to date on the development of a Soldier load effects measurement methodology. This cadet group leveraged an existing measurement system, the Load Effects Assessment Program – Army (LEAP-A) obstacle course. The cadets led an interdisciplinary experiment with kinesiology faculty, Dr. Hewit and Dr. Jaffe, from the Department of Physical Education (DPE). During the month of October, the experimental team collected data on 35 cadets and officers that completed the LEAP-A course, totaling over 28 hours of experimentation. The experiment occurred on the River Courts and occupied approximately ½ acre of field space. Personnel from PEO Soldier and the Maneuver Battle Lab, Fort Benning, supported obstacle course setup and removal. Data collected includes individual obstacle times, aggregate course time, heart rate, electromyography (EMG, muscle contraction data), vertical jump, horizontal and vertical transfer performance, motion capture video of three obstacles, and pressure plate measurement. The research team will investigate load effects measurement methodologies and propose improvements, both inclusive and exclusive of the LEAP-A. The client for this study, PM SWAR, ultimately needs a better understanding of load limits and an assessment methodology capable of supporting current and future materiel acquisition decisions. The Soldier load effects measurement methodology cadet capstone team includes Cadets Murray, Pattillo, Robertson, and Ross.