Medical Technology

Determine the influences of long-acting reversible contraceptives on physiological responses to extreme environments in women. Provide knowledge to optimize Soldier performance in Arctic Environments. Determine the influence of race and dietary supplementation on skin perfusion in the cold.

Determine physiological and biochemical markers of exertional heat stroke (EHS) and non -EHS responses to high-risk events. Identify genomic and transcriptomic signature for predicting exertional heat stroke/illness. Determine sex differences in the physiological and metabolic response to strenuous military training in the cold. Develop…

Enhance and optimize methodology for head injury risk assessment.

Investigate biomechanical differences during the ACFT deadlift; continue to determine risk factors for re-injury following a musculoskeletal injury to provide recommendations for preventing subsequent injuries.

Quantify the role of physiological factors, such as fiber type and metabolic elements, contributing to the development of muscle fatigue and decreased performance and risk and mitigation interventions; continue to determine the extent to which sleep extension reduces musculoskeletal injury; continue to identify non-physical factors…

Initiate investigation of machine learning and artificial intelligence analysis to predict individual Soldier and echelon-based medical readiness and impact on physical and mental performance.

Inform the development of targeted nutritional countermeasures for mitigating MSKI-mediated atrophy and accelerate recovery.

Will conduct extensive data analysis and documentation of energy field bioeffects modeling, simulation, laboratory and data collection results across biologically relevant scales.

Continued evaluation of translational countermeasures resulting in a go/no go decision supporting advance research to mitigate medical risk and augment performance for Soldier operations in extreme environments. Identify and assess novel interventions to optimize hydration in extreme heat and increase blood oxygen levels at extreme…

Develop an initial framework for capturing acute, subacute, and long-term effects of BOP exposure using wearable physiological health and fitness devices to inform injury prevention and recovery strategies. Conduct comparative analysis of PPE effectiveness in mitigating blast effects.

FY2027 planned work Complete assessment of the effects of sleep restriction and pharmacological countermeasures on medical provider performance in the en route care environment. Complete preliminary assessment of novel exoskeleton solutions to assist litter carriage in future conflicts. Develop injury criteria for assessing retention of litters and casualties during helicopter crashes. Continue development and integration of device alarms into flight medic helmets with salient cues reducing workload regarding device alarms.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding increase reflects planned continuation of this effort.

FY2026 plans — current year Continue to evaluate efficacy of new exoskeleton technologies to reduce rate of injury experienced by litter bearers and dramatically improve the speed and distance of extended litter transport. Continue study of patient-specific in-helmet medical device alarms to determine reaction time and patient outcome during multi-patient medical evacuation scenarios. Continue studying the benefit on patient outcome of providing tier 2 responder training to nonmedical MEDEVAC crewmembers. Evaluate the effect of sleep deprivation on medical provider performance in the prolonged care environment; evaluate efficacy of pharmaceutical performance sustainment methods, previously approved for aircrew (e.g…

FY2025 accomplishments Evaluate new exoskeleton technologies designed to reduce the rate of acute or chronic injury experienced by litter bearers and dramatically improve the speed and distance of extended litter transport. Assess the benefit on patient outcome of providing tier 2 responder training to nonmedical MEDEVAC crewmembers. Continue evaluation of patient-specific medical device alarms used during multi-patient helicopter medical evacuation scenarios. Completion of a final technical report detailing positive findings from operational effectiveness, performance, and biomechanics comparisons of unassisted and assistive devices utilized during several dismounted field transport scenarios.