TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems OBJECTIVE: Apply adaptive training concepts to tailor physical fitness training in order to increase physical fitness and readiness. DESCRIPTION: Advances with wearable technologies (e.g. heart rate monitors, sweat sensors, etc.) allow individuals the ability to capture a variety of measures related to physical fitness (Chambers et al., 2015; Heikenfeld, 2014). While the accuracy and reliability of these wearable techniques is a known concern, there is the potential for these tools to provide a greater insight into the impact of physical training. Aside from general feedback, the data captured is not fully exploited, and often requires technical expertise to understand and utilize the results. Currently, many physical fitness programs have a one-size-fits-all approach, though the trainees' bodies and abilities can vary greatly. Training in this way is not ideal for efficiency or effectiveness, as it does not tailor requirements to the individual to ensure they get the training they actually need based on their strengths and weaknesses. Strength and conditioning programs directed by technical experts can improve physical fitness, but is manpower intensive and costly with availability restrictions, and benefits vary across individuals (Bouchard and Rankinen, 2001). Computer-based adaptive training techniques have been used to bridge the gap between one-size-fits-all training and human tutors/teachers for training military knowledge and skills (McCarthy, 2008). Adaptive systems have been shown to be more effective and efficient when compared to traditional one-size-fits-all methods (Landsberg, Astwood, Van Buskirk, Townsend, & Steinhauser, 2012). Adaptive training has not been implemented in physical fitness programs for the military, but this approach could be applied to improve both quality and efficiency of training to ensure each warfighter is getting the training they need. This effort aims to leverage wearable technologies and fully exploit the data captured by applying adaptive training principles to physical fitness training. Advances with wearable technologies allow individuals the ability to capture a variety of physical performance metrics to diagnose strengths and weaknesses. Although wearable technologies are rapidly emerging, substantial hurdles remain relative to their utility in injury mitigation, training optimization protocols, and health maintenance. By applying adaptive training methods to the data, we can fully exploit the data provided by wearable technologies and provide training recommendations of value to the end user. These benefits could result in large decreases to dollars spent in training and in injury treatment. PHASE I: Develop initial prototype or mockups and conceptual model to support individual and unit adaptive physical fitness training. The initial prototype or mockups must exploit commercial wearable sensor market (i.e. existing hardware) to address software gap in actionable, tailorable, and adaptive physical training recommendations (i.e. exercise activities) and dashboards for an individual and unit 140 people or less. The conceptual model must include: (1) explanations as to what wearable technology will be utilized and how it will be integrated into the overall system; (2) an explanation of how the methodology is novel; (3) a defined physical training approach (tasks should be similar in nature to Marine infantry tasks) and specific data that will determine adaptations to the training; (4) new adaptive techniques and approaches focused on physical training; (5) software or mockups for a recommendations system to support the micro and macros adaptations of physical training. Required Phase I deliverables shall include a (1) Conceptual Model, (2) Functional Prototype(s), or Mockups (3) Final Report, and (4) Phase II Plan. The Final Report shall document the Conceptual Model and Prototype(s) or Mockups using evidence-based rationale, based on credible science, technology, engineering, and or math premises/paradigms, supporting the Conceptual Model and Functional Prototype(s) architecture, performance, effectiveness, and risks. The Phase II Plan shall build on the Phase I accomplishments and enumerate Key Performance Areas (KPAs) necessary to overcome risks, deficits, and/or emergent challenges to the adaptive fitness training system that were discovered as an outcome of the Phase I process as well as other low-risk propositions that may improve the original conceptual model. The capabilities of the Functional Prototype or Mockups shall be presented in a contextual proof-of-concept demonstration. Phase I Option, if awarded, shall include the processing and submission of all required human subjects use protocols, if required. Due to long review times involved, human subject research is strongly discouraged during Phase I base. PHASE II: Develop an operational prototype extending the Phase I effort and conduct a transfer-of-training (TOT) validation study supported by objective measures. Identify a relevant, near-term training need as a use case for initial system development and testing. Conduct all appropriate engineering tests and reviews, including a critical design review to finalize the system design. Once system design has been finalized then an evaluation of data acquisition, processing, and analysis will be conducted with a Marine Corps population. Phase II deliverables will include: (1) an operational prototype that satisfies the data acquisition, processing, and analysis capability specifications, (2) training protocol(s) aligned with and stressing data acquisition, processing, and analysis capabilities, (3) system design review, (4) training effectiveness methodology review, and (5) final report to include results of the training effectiveness evaluation. PHASE III: The contractor will support transitioning the technology for Marine Corps use including assisting with certifying and qualifying the technology. As appropriate, the small business will focus on broadening capabilities. The innovation shall be amenable to commercial applications such as law enforcement, fire-fighting, emergency-responding, and other domains where not only physically demanding tasks are critical to job performance/safety and measured on a group basis but also where adaptive physical training would be economical and instrumental to performance improvement and injury/risk mitigation. REFERENCES: 1. Bouchard, C., & Rankinen, T. (2001). Individual differences in response to regular physical activity. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 33 (6 Suppl), S446-51.2. Chambers R, Gabbett TJ, Cole MH, et al. The Use of Wearable Microsensors to Quantify Sport-Specific Movements. Sports Med 2015; 45:1065 81.3. Heikenfeld, J. (2014). Let them see you sweat. IEEE Spectrum, 51(11), 46-63.4. Landsberg, C. R., Mercado, A. D., Van Buskirk, W. L., Lineberry, M., & Steinhauser, N. (2012, September). Evaluation of an adaptive training system for submarine periscope operations. In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society annual me5. McCarthy, J. E. (2008). Military applications of adaptive training technology. In M.D. Lytras, D. Gasevic, P. Ordonez de Pablos, & W. Huang (Eds.), Technology Enhanced Learning: Best Practices, 304-347. KEYWORDS: Adaptive Training; Wearable Technology; Biometrics; Physical Conditioning; Injury Prevention; Physical Fitness; Diagnostic Training
