Female service members face unique challenges within the demanding military environment, including a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI), compared to their male counterparts. Momentous, an industry leader in human performance, is proud to announce its latest innovation contract with the U.S. Air Force, focusing on reducing MSKI in the female military population. This collaboration will further our commitment to developing cutting-edge products that address the specific needs of female service members and athletes.
The Burden of MSKI on Female Military Personnel
The physical demands of military service, coupled with physiological differences, put female service members at an increased risk of MSKI. For instance, females tend to have higher joint laxity, or looseness, which can lead to decreased joint stability. This heightened laxity makes joints more prone to dislocations, sprains, and strains in female service members. In fact, a review published in Military Medicine found that female military personnel and recruits are, on average, 1.5x more likely to suffer MSKI during training and deployment than their male peers (1). The unique challenges female service members face contribute to the higher prevalence of injuries like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, which some studies have suggested are already ten times more likely for military personnel than professional athletes (2). The consequences of experiencing MSKI for active military members and recruits can include limited duties, time off, and even full discharge.
Reducing the Impact of MSKI Through Innovation
In collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, Momentous is developing a collagen product designed for women to mitigate the risk of MSKI in female service members, focusing on prevention in this at-risk group of service members. Working with Dr. Keith Baar, a leading collagen researcher at the University of California, Davis, our team aims to create a groundbreaking solution tailored to the unique physiological needs of women in military settings.
This partnership aligns with Momentous' mission to be at the forefront of human performance for women. Our work with the military demonstrates our dedication to understanding and addressing the distinct challenges female service members face.
Empowering Female Service Members and Athletes
As thought leaders in the human performance space, Momentous is committed to empowering female athletes and service members by providing innovative solutions backed by rigorous research. Our partnership with the U.S. Air Force and Dr. Baar, part of an Innovation Contract won with the U.S. military, not only aims to reduce MSKI among the female military population but also to enhance our understanding of female physiology and performance across a diverse range of disciplines. As with all our innovation contracts with the U.S. Military, the final products developed from this research will ultimately be made available to the broader market, allowing athletes everywhere to experience the benefits.
A Brighter Future for Women in Military and Sport
By developing a collagen product specifically for women in conjunction with the U.S. Air Force, Momentous is taking a significant step toward addressing the unique needs of women in the military and sport. Our commitment to research and innovation will continue to drive our efforts to improve the quality of life and performance of female service members and athletes, helping them achieve their full potential. In addition to our ongoing product development initiatives, we are dedicated to showing our appreciation for the military community. To demonstrate our support, we offer exclusive discounts on all our products to active and former service members through our partnership with ID.me.
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(1) Barbeau, P., Michaud, A., Hamel, C., Rice, D., Skidmore, B., Hutton, B., Garritty, C., da Silva, D. F., Semeniuk, K., & Adamo, K. B. (2021). Musculoskeletal injuries among females in the military: A scoping review. Military Medicine, 186(9–10), e903–e931.
(2) Aguero AD, Irrgang JJ, MacGregor AJ, et alSex, military occupation and rank are associated with risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury in tactical-athletesBMJ Mil Health Published Online First: 14 February 2022.
