US Department of Defense
BLAST INJURY RESEARCH
COORDINATING OFFICE
Advancing Blast Injury Research to Protect and Heal Those Who Serve
Protecting Those Who Serve: Evaluating Body-Worn Sensors for Blast and Impact Events
Exposure to blasts and strong shockwaves can cause concussion-like symptoms in military personnel, both during training and in combat. To better track and respond to these events, the U.S. Army Medical Material Development Activity (USAMMDA) is developing wearable sensors for the Joint Force. In support, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) conducted focus groups with 156 Servicemembers from high-risk Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs), such as infantry, artillery, and explosive ordnance disposal, to determine the most useful and practical features for these sensors.
Participants preferred small, durable, and helmet-mounted sensors that could measure low-level blasts, store long-term exposure data, and provide immediate feedback. They wanted sensors with rechargeable or disposable batteries that can connect to computers for detailed data analysis. Concerns included data security, particularly wireless versus wired transfer, and whether leadership should have access to identifiable data. Servicemembers wanted data integrated into their medical records but did not want to be financially responsible for the sensors, suggesting unit-level maintenance and distribution.
Most Servicemembers were willing to use the sensors, provided they did not interfere with their duties. To ensure adoption, the sensors should be easy to use, come with clear training, and have well-communicated benefits, especially in protecting long-term health. Addressing user concerns will be key to successfully implementing these body-worn sensors in the field.
An End-User Evaluation of Blast Overpressure and Accelerative Impact Body-Worn Sensors. Carl D Smith , Madhavi K Reddy , Shardonnai T Sims , Katrina M Conen , Stephen W Krauss Military Medicine (2024), Aug 19;189 (Suppl 3):276-283. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usae091
This study was funded through an interagency agreement with the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity.
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