Scholarship Artifacts
Scholarship Artifact #3
Redefining Military Readiness: Integrating Recovery and Injury Prevention into Operational Performance
Summer 2026
EXSC 9500 - Evidence-Based Professional Portfolio III
Abstract
Musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) remain among the greatest threats to military readiness, accounting for most medical encounters, limited-duty days, and reductions in deployable force strength. Although physical training is essential to preparing service members for operational demands, current evidence shows that modifiable factors beyond physical workload alone influence many MSKIs. Sleep deficiency, cumulative psychological stress, inadequate recovery, and poorly managed training loads substantially increase injury risk while reducing operational performance and resilience. Despite decades of research identifying these risk factors, recovery remains underemphasized in many military training systems. This article synthesizes current evidence on MSKI prevention and translates it into practical recommendations for military leaders, trainers, and healthcare professionals. It proposes a systems-based approach that integrates progressive workload management, sleep optimization, stress mitigation, leadership engagement, and injury surveillance into routine training and operational decision-making. Rather than viewing recovery as a wellness initiative or time away from training, the article argues that recovery should be recognized as an operational capability essential to sustaining combat power. By redefining military readiness as the ability to train, recover, adapt, and sustain performance over time, military organizations can better preserve combat power while reducing preventable MSKIs.
Keywords: military readiness, musculoskeletal injuries, injury prevention, sleep, stress management, training load
Meta Description: Explore evidence-based strategies to integrate sleep, recovery, and injury prevention into military training to strengthen readiness and operational performance.
Scholarship Artifact #2
Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Across Military and Veteran Populations: The Role of Sleep, Stress, and Holistic Health
Spring 2026
EXSC 9250 - Evidence-Based Professional Portfolio II
Abstract
Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) are among the most prevalent health conditions affecting military personnel and are a leading cause of chronic pain, disability, and poor quality of life among veterans. Injuries sustained during active duty often persist after service, accelerating the development of chronic pain and disease and restricting daily activities. Evidence shows that inadequate sleep, chronic stress, and limited injury-prevention strategies significantly increase injury risk and worsen pain. In contrast, multidomain, education- and non-pharmacologic interventions that target sleep, stress regulation, and movement behaviors can improve recovery and long-term functional outcomes. This literature review explores how sleep hygiene, stress management, and injury-prevention measures influence MSI risk, recovery, and health outcomes throughout the military-to-veteran journey by improving quality of life and functional participation in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living ( IADLs). It emphasizes that MSIs are a lifelong health issue, not just isolated injuries, and underscores the importance of integrated, prevention-focused strategies across military and veteran health systems. The review also discusses implications for clinical practice, transition programs, and veteran-centered policies, as well as directions for future research to enhance health outcomes across the service-to-civilian lifespan.
Keywords: veterans, musculoskeletal injury, sleep hygiene, stress management, chronic pain
Meta Description: Explore how sleep, stress, and injury prevention strategies influence musculoskeletal injury risk, recovery, and long-term health outcomes across the military-to-veteran lifespan.
Scholarship Artifact #1
Sleep, Stress Management, and Injury Prevention in Military Personnel
Fall 2025
EXSC 9150 - Evidence-Based Professional Portfolio I
Abstract
Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) are among the leading causes of limited duty and decreased operational readiness in military personnel. Factors such as poor sleep, high stress, and lack of injury prevention strategies greatly contribute to the occurrence of noncombat musculoskeletal injuries. Recent studies emphasize the success of educational and behavioral interventions, including sleep hygiene education, stress management techniques, mind-body practices, and multidisciplinary programs, in decreasing injury risk and enhancing overall health and performance. Data from quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research consistently shows that improvements in sleep quality, stress management, and injury prevention education are associated with fewer injuries, reduced pain severity, and improved quality of life. Using wearable technology within multidisciplinary approaches further enhances monitoring, early detection, and personalized strategies. For health, wellness, and fitness professionals, adopting these approaches provides practical ways to boost physical and psychological resilience, supporting mission readiness.
Keywords: sleep, stress management, musculoskeletal injury, injury prevention, military personnel
Meta Description: Explore evidence-based strategies for sleep, stress, and injury prevention to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and improve military readiness.