Naval Academy Midshipmen Research Articles

Examination Of Predictors Of Physical Readiness Test Performance Among Us Naval Academy Midshipmen

Examination Of Predictors Of Physical Readiness Test Performance Among Us Naval Academy Midshipmen

Clinical Use of the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics TBI-Mil Expanded Battery in Evaluating Concussion Recovery: A Retrospective Study

This retrospective study evaluated the use of the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM4) Expanded battery in a clinical setting to determine if the resolution of physiological symptoms, in the absence of neurocognitive assessment, was sufficient data in the return-to-duty (RTD) determination. In this study, 508 U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen were diagnosed with concussion and prescribed a standard treatment protocol. As directed by the protocol, they were evaluated and tracked by medical providers until determined to have normal balance and to be asymptomatic at rest and with exertion. Upon the resolution of these physiological symptoms, the midshipmen were referred for neurocognitive (ANAM4) testing. When results indicated a return to neurocognitive baseline, a RTD determination was made. The analysis of data in this study indicated that RTD determinations based solely on the resolution of physiological symptoms would have resulted in 25.1% of the sample being returned to duty before neurocognitive recovery. Additional analysis of the ANAM4 reliable change index (RCI) data for each of the concussed patients revealed a pattern of scores that correlated with an expected length of recovery. Individuals with at least one RCI greater than or equal to -1.64 returned to neurocognitive baseline in 8.92 days, whereas individuals with 2 or more RCIs greater than or equal to -1.25 (but less than -1.64) returned to baseline in 5.78 days, and those with a difference in measured reaction times that were greater or equal to -1.25 returned to baseline in 3.20 days. Furthermore, findings indicated that female service members required additional time for the resolution of physical symptoms as compared to their male counterparts. The mean number of days from injury to being deemed symptoms free in males was approximately 14, as compared to females who were deemed symptom free in 21 days. This difference is statistically significant. Findings of this investigation revealed three specific outcomes. First, a computerized neurocognitive assessment instrument should be used as an adjunct measure in evaluating the resolution of physiological symptoms following a concussive injury. Second, results revealed that based on the RCIs of postinjury ANAM4 assessments, it is possible to estimate the remaining recovery time needed for a return to neurocognitive baseline. Third, results of this analysis revealed that gender appears to be a factor in time between concussive injury and resolution of symptoms.

Comparing Alternate Aerobic Tests for United States Navy Physical Readiness Test

ABSTRACTThe current Navy Physical Readiness Test allows for several alternatives to test aerobic fitness. Two currently approved alternate aerobic devices (elliptical trainer and stationary bike) were tested for correlation to VO2max and measured 1.5-mile run times. Two additional devices (2-km rower and 5-km cycle ergometer) were also evaluated as possible alternates. 132 active duty military and Naval Academy midshipmen were recruited from the United States Naval Academy. Subjects participated in six testing sessions over an eight-week period. Subjects performed a VO2max test (n = 96), 1.5 mile run (n = 118), 12-minute stationary bike test (n = 115), 12-minute elliptical trainer test (n = 108), 5-km cycle ergometer test (n = 114), and 2-km rower test (n = 115). Performances in all tests were correlated with one another. The strongest correlation to VO2max existed with the 1.5-mile run (r = –0.84). The 5-km cycle ergometer test (r = –0.42), 2-km rower test (r = –0.42), 12-minute stationary bike test (r = 0.37), and 12-minute elliptical trainer test (r = 0.20) did not correlate as well. For all devices tested, age, gender, and weight were determined to be significant factors when correlating to VO2max and 1.5-mile run times. The results support the mandated use of the 1.5-mile run as the preferred method of assessing aerobic fitness for all sailors. The results do not support the use of the 12-minute elliptical test as an authorized alternative to the 1.5-mile run.

Retrospective assessment of caries experience among US Naval Academy midshipmen.

To assess the 4-year caries incidence among US Naval Academy midshipmen. Dental records (n = 300) from a total population of 1,016 midshipmen from the 2011 graduating class at US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, were randomly selected for review. Patients were assigned a caries risk status based on the number of caries lesions recorded at initial examination (low = 0 lesions; moderate = 1-2 lesions; high = 3+ lesions). For each risk category, caries prevalence (DMFS, DMFT) and caries incidence were calculated based on findings recorded at the initial (E1), third year (E2), and fourth year (E3) examinations. The most significant predictors for caries incidence were determined for each risk category. Mean DMFS and DMFT were significantly different for each risk group at each examination (low < moderate < high; one-way ANOVA, P < 0.05). Within each caries risk category, mean DMFS and DMFT increased significantly from E1 to E3 (repeated measures ANOVA, all P < 0.05). Compared with low-risk patients, total caries incidence was over 2× greater for moderate-risk and nearly 4× greater for high-risk patients (one-way ANOVA, P < 0.05). "Filled surfaces" was the most significant predictor for caries incidence among low-risk patients; among high-risk and all risk groups combined, the most significant predictors were "decayed surfaces" and "decayed surfaces plus incipient surfaces" (linear regression; all P < 0.047). Caries experience was consistently greater for moderate- and high-risk patients at all examinations. The magnitude of increase in caries experience was greater for moderate- and high-risk patients. Caries history and current disease status reliably predict future caries experience in this young adult population.

Military Sexual Assault Prevention and Male Rape Myth Acceptance

Discussion of military sexual assault has largely focused on women, but men comprise a large percentage of survivors. Men are also less likely to report or seek care, partly because of rape myths. Rape myth acceptance (RMA) regarding female victims declines following interventions; however, the impact when victims are male is unclear. This cross-sectional study of U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen examines the relationship between an intervention and both types of RMA. One group completed the survey after a mandated sexual assault prevention training, while the other completed it before. More training was associated with lower RMA for both myth types.

The Great Outdoors

This study compares outdoor adventure-based leader development programs with a traditional non-outdoor program to test predictions about differential effects on leader development outcomes. Participants were drawn from the population of U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen involved in experiential leader development programs as a component of their training and education. Three concurrent experiential leader development programs were compared in terms of their impact on leader development outcomes, including leader identity, leader efficacy, and organizational cynicism. Two programs were outdoor, adventure-based experiences; one was a conventional, non-outdoor experience. We found that outdoor adventure-based programs varied in their effects on leader development outcomes, whereas the non-outdoor program had no significant effects on outcomes. Implications of these varied effects on leader development are discussed in terms of the implementation of theory-driven leadership development experiences.

Quantification of the 5-Year Incidence of Thromboembolic Events in U.S. Air Force Academy Cadets in Comparison to the U.S. Naval and Military Academies

The medical literature is replete with case reports of thromboembolic events related to high altitude exposure. Studies have shown an increased risk of thromboembolic events at high and very high altitudes. Most of these case reports and studies have been documented at altitudes between 3,000 m and 8,000 m (9,843-26,247 ft). The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) rests at moderate altitude of 7,250 ft (2,210 m). This study was designed to quantify the incidence of thromboembolic events in USAFA cadets over a 5-year period and then compare the incidence of events to those in the age-matched, similarly screened midshipmen and cadet populations of the U.S. Naval and U.S. Military Academies living at sea level. Our study showed an increased incidence of thromboemoblic events in USAFA cadet outpatients compared with that in the U.S. Military Academy cadets and U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen. This implicates moderate altitude as a potential risk factor for thrombosis.

The Modified Bristow Procedure for Anterior Shoulder Instability: 26-Year Outcomes in Naval Academy Midshipmen

The Modified Bristow Procedure for Anterior Shoulder Instability: 26-Year Outcomes in Naval Academy Midshipmen

Personality Type and Success among Female Naval Academy Midshipmen

There are relatively few studies regarding factors that predict success among female midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA). This study examined the personality characteristics of 1,568 women admitted to USNA between 1988 and 1996 to evaluate whether personality type was predictive of success vs. attrition. Participants completed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator as well as a demographic questionnaire upon admission. Indicators of performance were gathered at graduation. Results indicated that most women at USNA are extroverts. Extroverted-Sensing-Thinking-Judging types were more likely to graduate, whereas Feeling and Perceiving themes were associated with dropping out. Previous military service and higher Scholastic Aptitude Test Math scores were also predictive of success at USNA. In general, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator was not a good predictor of academic or military success at USNA. Among women who graduate, Scholastic Aptitude Test (Verbal and Math) scores appear to be the best predictors of both academic and military ratings.

Empirical Keying of Biographical Data: Cross-Validity as a Function of Scaling Procedure and Sample Size

In recent years, the military has devoted considerable effort to the develop- ment of empirically keyed biodata instruments for use in selection. Although studies using empirical keying procedures are common in the personnel selection literature, relatively few studies have compared these procedures. Using data collected from Naval Academy midshipmen, we compared nine empirical keying procedures: vertical percent (five strategies), horizontal percent, mean criterion, phi coefficient, and rare response. For each keying procedure, five different sample sizes were used to determine the minimum sample size needed to obtain stable results. For the three largest samples, all of the criterion-based methods yielded scales with significant cross-validities. Among these methods, two vertical percent strategies generally produced the most valid scales for the four largest samples. Without exception, the cross-validities for the only noncriterion-based method (rare response) failed to reach significance. The effects of unit versus differential weighting and scale length versus item-alternative validity are discussed.

Physical, Cognitive, Emotional, and Interpersonal Requirements of Different Athletic Activities

Based on the working hypothesis that optimal psychological strategies for athletic performance can be employed only when the nature of the task is understood, an instrument was developed that identified systematically the varying physical, cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal requirements of a wide range of athletic activities, A sample of 753 Naval Academy midshipmen with experience and expertise in different sports rated their sport along a number of dimensions, constituting the items in the instrument. These ratings were submitted to a principal-component factor analysis, and 41' items were retained and organized into eight subscales based on the component loadings. Items and subscales were psychometrically stable and homogeneous. Standardized profiles were then constructed for the rated requirements of 48 sports. An additional principal-component analysis yielded second-order components which led to the combining of sports with similar profiles. The 48 sports were thereby reduced to 18 clusters. Some applications of this approach are offered, as well as ideas for future research.

Taped vs. "live" desensitization and level of autonomic arousal.

Investigated whether variations in method of presentation of anxiety items (Es voice, E's taped voice, S's taped voice) will result in differences in autonomic arousal (as measured by self-report, galvanic skin responses, cardiac rate, blood pressure). Ss were 24 Naval Academy midshipmen. The procedure involved (1) training in deep muscle relaxation; and (2) measuring arousal after the presentation of anxiety-eliciting stimuli. Statistical analysis indicated that the influence of method of presentation was significant for galvanic skin response and self-reported anxiety. Comparison of cell means showed that verbal presentations were more effective in eliciting autonomic arousal than taped presentations. The results of this study provide partial evidence to support the conventional form of systematic desensitization as more effective than the newer automated or taped versions.

DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONALITY TESTS FOR NAVAL OFFICER SELECTION I. ANALYSIS OF U. S. NAVAL ACADEMY CRITERION OF APTITUDE FOR SERVICE

ABSTRACTThe objective of this research is the development of personality measures to supplement the more scholastically oriented aptitude tests used in the selection of Naval officers. The first year's work, recently completed, was concerned with a study of associates' and officers' ratings of U. S. Naval Academy midshipmen on “aptitude for service,” or leadership potential. Intercorrelations were computed among aptitude for service ratings for three summer cruises and two academic periods, standings in academic courses, and scholastic aptitude test scores, using 633 members of the class of 1951. Results indicated that the aptitude ratings were quite clearly differentiated from academic standing, and from verbal, mathematical, and spatial ability. Considerable stability was found in the ratings from one marking period to another, except for cruise ratings.A more detailed analysis of the ratings given and received by about 200 midshipmen from the larger group indicated that the composite ratings by fellow midshipmen were highly reliable. There was some evidence indicating a slight tendency for raters who agreed with composite opinion in judging their associates, to stand high themselves in aptitude for service. Little or no relationship was found between aptitude for service and a number of biographical factors such as age, previous military service, amount and type of previous education, etc.On the basis of the first year's work, it was felt that the aptitude ratings represented a suitable first criterion, and hence it was considered advisable and worth‐while to proceed with the development and initial validation of personality measures to predict this criterion. This constitutes the objective of the second phase of the investigation which was recently initiated. Work is underway on the development of personality tests deemed to be most appropriate or promising in the light of what has been learned about the aptitude ratings during the first phase of the research.