A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology has revealed the development of an automatic biomechanical evaluation engine that could revolutionize injury prevention in the military. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) researchers, in collaboration with the Air Force Special Warfare Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio, tested the tool by analyzing whole-body movement patterns of students without the need for physical body markers.
According to Lance Frazer, senior research engineer at SwRI, the tool aims to identify potential injury risks by capturing a “biomechanical fingerprint” based on individual movement patterns. The researchers examined 156 Air Force trainees and found that the tool correctly predicted 70% of injuries that occurred during an eight-week training course.
The success of this initial study has prompted SwRI to prepare for a larger study of the tool, with the hope that it could be used to identify individuals predisposed to injury risks before military training begins. Frazer suggests that this information could then be used by the military to design targeted interventions for at-risk individuals.
The findings of this study could have wide-reaching implications for injury prevention in military training and beyond. The research was translated by Texas Public Radio with support from Gabriela Olivares and Yvette Benavides for NPR and The Texas Newsroom. If you value responsible journalism and would like to support Texas Public Radio, consider making a donation today.