Evaluation of Litter Carriage Performance and Post-Carry Fatigue Effects in Prolonged Combat Field Care Environments (Part 1): Preliminary Design Considerations, Specifications, and Recommendations for Exoskeleton Feasibility, Suitability, and Efficacy in Dismounted Military Casualty Transport Scenarios

Litter transport is a standard procedure for initial military casualty evacuation and consists of two- or four-person teams transporting a casualty over a long distance or carrying multiple casualties over a short distance. The litter team may be required to provide critical care while also engaging in combat to protect themselves and the patient. Musculoskeletal disorders can develop over time due to frequent, repetitive, or extended litter transport scenarios. The use of an assistive device, such as an exoskeleton, has the potential to improve combat performance following litter carry and improve evacuation times of the injured. Currently, there are no assistive devices integrated into the standard Military Equipment Set or litter carriage procedures, and exoskeleton research for military patient transport scenarios is scarce. The U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory conducted a comprehensive review of the state of exoskeleton research to determine essential preliminary design considerations as well as provide preliminary recommendations for exoskeleton technology focused on improving or enhancing dismounted military casualty transport scenarios.