The use of small-arms stability measures in combat shooting assessments.

The acquisition of weapons at scale requires objective measures to discriminate between products and inform decisions. Testing of weapons commonly occurs on known-distance ranges in static positions at static targets using accuracy and timing as the main variables of interest. However, testing weapons in more representative environments may better show variations in ergonomic-related factors such as centre-of-gravity (CoG) changes.

Number of trials necessary to achieve a representative performance of accuracy and timing during combat shooting.

Acquisition evaluations are expensive, have a high time liability, and tend to prioritize engineering requirements over human factors and good experimental design. Shooting serials usually consist of static prone shooting to minimize movement variability, increase reliability of accuracy and timing data or use a single data point to make acquisition decisions. To better understand the number of trials required to achieve representative performance of accuracy and timing, 60 shots from the standing unsupported position while cyclically moving the weapon from the low ready to shoot was utilized.

Can target effects or discomfort ratings discriminate between small-arms weapon configurations?

Defence acquisitions use accuracy measures as a discriminating factor in weapon purchases, but assessments are generally completed in static, supported postures at static targets with few differences being seen between configurations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an assessment requiring repositioning between shots could reveal differences. Participants shot at a static target under four conditions: an unweighted rifle and the addition of a mass fixed at three different positions.

Biering-Sorensen test performance of Japanese young males: comparison with other ethnicities and relationship to electromyography, near-infrared spectroscopy and exertion ratings.

Back muscle endurance is a predictor of future low back pain and is commonly assessed using the Biering-Sorensen Test (BST). Differences exist between ethnic groups that may affect the performance and interpretation of the BST and should be investigated. This study's aim was to explore objective and subjective measures of the BST in a Japanese group in comparison with previous studies in other ethnic groups.

An electromyographic comparison of neck conditioning exercises in healthy controls.

The purpose of this study was to compare surface electromyography (EMG) activation levels of selected neck muscles for two common neck-training modalities (Thera-Band and Cybex). Seventeen asymptomatic subjects (eight men and nine women) with a mean age 23.4 years were recruited.

Neck exercises compared to muscle activation during aerial combat maneuvers.

Introduction: Performing specific neck strengthening exercises has been proposed to decrease the incidence of neck injury and pain in high performance combat pilots. However, there is little known about these exercises in comparison to the demands on the neck musculature in flight.

Methods: Eight male non-pilots performed specific neck exercises using two different modalities (elastic band and resistance machine) at six different intensities in flexion, extension, and lateral bending.