University at Buffalo (UB)
Energy Expenditure of US Army Soldiers During Ambulation
Help collect data to improve the US Army Load Carriage Decision Aid that predicts metabolic energy expenditure in a wide range of military tasks.
Project description
The US Army Load Carriage Decision Aid (LCDA) is strategic planning algorithm used by militaries across the globe and is intended to predict, among other variables, the metabolic energy expenditure in a wide range of military tasks. For decades researchers have curated accurate predictions of the metabolic costs of ambulation with modern military backpacks, load weight, load position on the body, weaponry and armor, terrain gradients, terrain types, and tactical footwear. However, previous research has only studied these factors independently, a significant shortcoming since it is the combination of many of these factors that represent real-life scenarios. As such, this project aims to describe the metabolic energy expenditure of ambulation when these factors are combined to determine if they present additive or multiplicative effects. Lessons learned from this exciting area of inquiry will evolve and enhance the predictive accuracy of the LCDA.
Project outcome
Students accepted into this experiential learning environment can expect to gain a global research experience inclusive of understanding the scientific method, reading essential research articles, participant recruitment and management, eligibility screenings, and active data collection while working closely with Dr. Pryor and a team of graduate students and research technicians. Exceptional students who demonstrate excellent performance and commitment can present our findings at local or national conferences and aid in producing peer-reviewed publications as a co-author.
Project details
| Length of commitment | Dependent on student goals, prefer a semester or longer |
| Start time | Anytime |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-Person Project |
| Level of collaboration | Small group project (2-3 students) |
| Benefits | Academic credit Work study Stipend |
| Who is eligible | Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors who've completed PGY300 & ES380 |
Core partners
US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM)
USARIEM's mission is to optimize Warfighter health and performance through medical research. USARIEM is internationally recognized as the Department of Defense's premier laboratory for Warfighter health and performance research and focuses on environmental medicine, physiology, physical and cognitive performance, and nutrition research. Military guidance has been published for operations in heat, cold, and high-altitude environments and nutrition for health and performance.
Project mentor
Luke Pryor
Clinical Associate Professor
Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
Phone: (719) 829-5433
Email: lpryor@buffalo.edu
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.)
Preparation activities
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
Complete the ELN preparation badge
Read seminal articles
Attend laboratory training and orientation sessions
Attend preliminary meetings with the student leader and research team
Keywords
Exercise, metabolism, science, military, army, energy expenditure, Exercise Physiology, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences