Page 55 - JSOM Summer 2024

Special Forces Group Airborne, [3rd SFG(A)]) and predeploy- list of measures collected) were collected actively and passively
ment Reconnaissance Marines (1st Reconnaissance Battalion through the custom application, and study users were also able
[1st Recon Bn]). to complete study questionnaires on their Watch (Figure 1).

A secure, custom research software platform was built to
Methods
collect data across the POTFF domains continuously. It was
The U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command modeled after an in-person re-deployment assessment of 3rd
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funded the study. Study participants were recruited from 3rd SFG(A) members, as detailed. The platform enables the col-
SFG(A), Fort Bragg, NC, and 1st Recon Bn, Camp Pendle- lection of multiple health measures under each POTFF domain
ton, CA. Participants were enrolled and followed from May and, after data analysis, delivers continuously updated sum-
2021 to April 2022. This study was approved by the USC IRB mary data back to the Servicemember. This system provides
(UP-20-00927-CR003). novel insights into relationships between the measures col-
lected while helping individuals track their progress toward
A total of 99 participants were enrolled for an average pe- goals they establish within a custom-made mobile application
riod of 189 (SD 43) days for the 3rd SFG(A) and 259 (SD (app). The app collects and displays real-time and summary
64) days for the 1st Recon Bn members. For the 3rd SFG(A), data and custom-designed educational content to support suc-
108 individuals were assessed for eligibility, 72 consented to cess in achieving individual goals. The content includes vetted
participate, and 49 participated in baseline data collection. For military information in video and written form, addressing
1st Recon Bn, 59 individuals were assessed for eligibility, 59 various physical, psychosocial, and familial issues.
consented to participate, and 50 participated in baseline data
collection. Device sensors and data were displayed for the study partici-
pants. Participants were asked to set goals within the app, and
Participants received the study devices, including an iPhone SE progress toward these goals was tracked. The app could track
(Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA, USA; www.apple.com/iphone-se) nutrition, hydration, caffeine, and nicotine intake.
(with a custom-built research application) and an Apple
Watch (Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA, USA; www.apple.com/ Figure 1 illustrates app screens that show app functionality.
watch). Study devices were purchased by the researchers and Cognitive tasks were created using Apple ResearchKit phys-
were returned by participants upon study completion. Con- ical, psychosocial, and familial issues. (https://www.apple.
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sent for participation and study measures (see Appendix for a com/lae/researchkit/) and were presented within the app to

(A) (B) (C)

(D) (E)

FIGURE 1 (A, B, C) Example
display of data available to
view in the Insights tab.
(D, E) Example of survey
questions pushed to watch.
(F-J) Examples of the digital
versions of the weekly cognitive
assessments, from LEFT TO
RIGHT: Stroop test, Shake test,
Spatial Span test, Tapping Speed
test, and Trail Making test.

(F) (G) (H) (I) (J)

Wearable POTFF Monitoring | 53