Tactical athlete training and performance monitoring using motion tape wearable sensors

Tactical athlete training and performance monitoring using motion tape wearable sensors

Yun-An Lin, Kenneth J. Loh

download PDF

Abstract. Physical, tactical, and field training are critical for improving warfighter physical performance and capabilities. Exercises and training events are typically supervised; however, group/team training and field exercises lack personalized supervision. While technologies such as optical motion capture (mocap) can capture detailed biomechanics, they are most conveniently used in indoor laboratory settings or in a pre-staged outdoor area. Commercial wearable sensors are readily available, but the data typically correspond to a discrete bodily location and only provide limited information about whether someone is moving, as opposed to how movements are being performed. To fill this gap, a self-adhesive, elastic fabric, nanocomposite skin-strain sensor was developed, extensively tested, and validated through human subject studies. It was found that these “Motion Tape” sensors were not only able to measure skin-strains during functional movements, but its measurements were also correlated with how muscles engage. In this study, Motion Tapes were worn at major muscle groups, and participants performed exercises that simulated military marksmanship training activities. Mocap measurements were also obtained to acquire baseline biomechanical movement data and to quantify typical marksmanship outcomes. Individuals (civilians) were first asked to perform a simulated rifle shooting task (i.e., incorrectly), before being asked to repeat the task (i.e., correctly) after being provided with instructions that targeted improved performance. The results confirmed that Motion Tape skin-strain measurements were able to differentiate between “incorrect” and “correct” movement sequences.

Keywords
Biomechanics, Fabric, Human Performance, Marksmanship, Motion Capture, Movement, Muscle, Nanocomposite, Rifle, Shooting, Skin, Strain

Published online 3/30/2023, 8 pages
Copyright © 2023 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA

Citation: Yun-An Lin, Kenneth J. Loh, Tactical athlete training and performance monitoring using motion tape wearable sensors, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 27, pp 292-299, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644902455-38

The article was published as article 38 of the book Structural Health Monitoring

Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.

References
[1] S. O. Nagashima, G. K. W. K. Chung, P. D. Espinosa and C. Berka, Validity evidence for a model of rifle marksmanship skill performance using sensor-based measures, Proceedings of The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting (2009). https://doi.org/10.1037/e578592012-004
[2] G. K. W. K. Chung, S. O. Nagashima, G. C. Delacruz, J. J. Lee, R. Wainess and E. L. Baker, Review of rifle marksmanship training research, The National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (2011)
[3] G. K. W. K. Chung, S. O. Nagashima, P. D. Espinosa, C. Berka and E. L. Baker, An Exploratory Investigation of the Effect of Individualized Computer-based Instruction on Rifle Marksmanship Performance and Skill, The National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (2009)
[4] S. O. Nagashima, G. K. W. K. Chung, P. D. Espinosa, C. Berka and E. L. Baker, Assessment of Rifle Marksmanship Skill Using Sensor-based Meausres, The National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (2009)
[5] V. Simas, B. Schram, E. F. D. Canetti, D. Maupin and R. Orr, Factors Influencing Marksmanship in Police Officers: A Narrative Review, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2022). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114236
[6] G. Raphael, C. Berka, D. Popovic, G. K. W. K. Chung, S. O. Nagashima, A. Behneman, G. Davis and R. o. Johnson, Adaptive Performance Trainer (APTTM): Interactive Neuro-Educational Technology to Increase the Pace & Efficiency of Rifle Marksmanship Training.
[7] Y. A. Lin, Y. Zhao, L. Wang, Y. Park, Y. J. Yeh, W. H. Chiang and K. J. L. Loh, Graphene K‐Tape Meshes for Densely Distributed Human Motion Monitoring, Advanced Materials Technologies (2021). https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202000861
[8] Y. A. Lin, X. Zhao, A. Silder, P. Sessoms, J. J. Fraser and K. J. Loh, Presented at The SPIE Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation, Virtual (2021)
[9] Y.-A. Lin, Y. Mhaskar, A. Silder, P. H. Sessoms, J. J. Fraser and K. J. Loh, Muscle Engagement Monitoring Using Self-Adhesive Elastic Nanocomposite Fabrics, Sensors (2022). https://doi.org/10.3390/s22186768