Page 94 - JSOM Winter 2023

Association of Physical Domain Participation
with POTFF Domains in Special Forces Operators

Tracy L. Nelson, MPH, PhD *; Lise Youngblade, PhD ; Paul Goldberg, MS, RD ;
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David Bricker, MS ; Kelsey Werth, MS, RD ; Jamie C. Riesberg, MD ; Gerald W. Surrett, MD, MBA 7
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ABSTRACT
Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the this work was done (2016–2020), in which four domains de-
effectiveness of the physical domain (PD) to improve perfor- fined the structure: physical, psychological, social/family, and
mance in all the POTFF domains (physical, psychological, spiritual.
social/family, and spiritual) among Special Forces (SF) Oper-
ators. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of active SF The physical domain (PD) programs aim to maintain peak
Operators assigned to the United States Army Special Oper- physical performance of all Operators, including mitigat-
ations Command (USASOC). Recruitment began in October ing the risk of injury. This goal is achieved through strength
2016. Testing began on 1 January 2017, and concluded on and conditioning, performance nutrition, sports psychology,
28 February 2020. Participants completed physical testing, physical therapy, and sports medicine. Psychological domain
blood draws, and questionnaires to determine domain metrics. programs are designed to improve the cognitive and behav-
Means, medians, and proportions were compared by level of ioral performance of the Force through access to behavioral
participation in the PD. Results: A total of 231 Soldiers par- resources to cope with stress, depression, and other emotions.
ticipated; n=63 in the control group, n=93 in the <4 days PD/ The social and family domain programs aim to enhance fam-
week (PD <4) group, and n=66 in the >4 days PD/week (PD ily resilience, communication, and relationships. The spiritual
≥4) group. The average age was 31 years (range 21–47 y). domain programs promote healthy living, sound decision-
The average time in the Special Operations Forces (SOF) was making, purpose, and meaning by enhancing core spiritual
4 years (range 0–19 y). The PD ≥4 group showed significantly beliefs, values, awareness, relationships, and experiences. This
greater overall upper (p=.01) and lower (p=0) body strength, domain is achieved through chaplain-supported programs. 1
power (p=.01), and positive affect (p=.04). The PD ≥4 group
also had significantly lower anxiety (p=.03), stress (p=.04), These domains likely do not operate in isolation. For example,
and depression (p=.02) than the control group. Conclusion: accelerated recovery time from an injury due to PD participa-
The PD and psychological domain metrics were most asso- tion may result in lower stress levels and better interactions
ciated with PD participation. This finding is consistent with with family members; meanwhile, long-term injury rehabilita-
the goals of the PD, which are to increase physical and mental tion or pain can influence these feelings and interactions in the
capabilities and decrease injury recovery time. opposite manner. To better understand the interdependence
among these domains, we evaluated the effectiveness of the PD
Keywords: physical domain; psychological domain; social/ to improve performance in all the POTFF domains (PD, psy-
family domain; spiritual domain; POTFF; United States Army chological, social/family, and spiritual) among SF Operators.
Special Operations Command; USASOC; Special Forces
Methods
Participants
Introduction
All active on-site SF Operators assigned to the U.S .Army Spe-
The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) cial Operations Command (USASOC) were invited to partic-
developed the Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF) ipate in this study. The project’s principal investigators (PIs)
program in response to demand from all levels of the Special sent a letter to unit commanders describing the study and re-
Operations Forces (SOF) community, including units and SOF questing permission to contact their team members. Soldiers
families. The POTFF program is designed to build resilience, were recruited to participate with assistance from the Human
improve operational performance, and ensure SOF readiness. Performance staff and Group Surgeon. Recruitment began in
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Currently, POTFF programs are based on five domains: phys- October 2016, with testing beginning on 1 January 2017 and
ical, psychological, cognitive, social/family, and spiritual. This concluding on 28 February 2020. The minimum sample re-
report reflects the structure of the POTFF program at the time cruitment goal was 200 Soldiers.
*Correspondence to Tracy.Nelson@ColoState.edu
1 Dr Tracy L. Nelson is Professor of Health and Exercise Science, and Epidemiology, and the Director of the Colorado School of Public Health
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at Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO. Dr Lise Youngblade is Dean in the College of Health and Human Sciences and Faculty in the
Colorado School of Public Health, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO. Paul Goldberg is Human Performance and Wellness Coordinator,
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4 David Bricker is Data Scientist, and Kelsey Werth is Dietician at the Human Performance Training Center, Fort Carson, CO. COL Jamie C.
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Riesberg is Command Surgeon 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), Fort Bragg, NC. COL Gerald W. Surrett is Group Surgeon10th Special
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Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, CO.
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