Standard Methodology for Assessment of Range of Motion While Wearing Body Armor

Abstract : This document outlines the methodology used to collect data in an evaluation examining the range of motion (ROM) of 115 Soldiers and Airmen conducted by the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center in 2011. The purpose of the evaluation was to better understand the performance impact of body armor on U.S. military warfighters. Traditionally, ROM has been used to assess the impact on performance that individuals experience after an injury or illness. It was used in this case to determine the impact on performance that individuals experienced when they performed the standardized movements in a variety of body armor systems and duty uniform. When assessing ROM, while test participants are wearing clothes/equipment, modifications need to be made. The document contains the following information for conducting and evaluating 26 specific movements: test equipment needed, description of the movement, description of the measurement, cautions, potential causes of restriction, real world equivalent activities associated with the movement, and the form the data should be collected in and any manipulation. Basic movements included focused on base neck, spine, shoulder, and hips. Mission movements/activities included aiming a weapon, box lifts, high knees, and trunk flexions. For each movement, summary statistics and percentiles are given for the baseline configuration (duty uniform, boots, t-shirt, personal undergarments, and riggers belt).