MultiAgency, prospective, exploratory, non-intervention, cohort Study on Human Impact Exposure oNboard high-speed boats (MASHIEN): protocol

Abstract

Introduction High-speed boat operations expose personnel to slamming-induced impacts, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries and cognitive impairments. Despite existing safety measures, regulations and protocols, the risk of injuries remains significant. The MultiAgency, prospective, exploratory, non-intervention, cohort Study on Human Impact Exposure oNboard high-speed boats study aims to investigate the nature and magnitude of these impacts, their acute and long-term health effects, and potential injury prevention strategies to improve operational safety and performance. Methods and analysis This is an ongoing multicentre, prospective, non-intervention, observational cohort study. The first participant was enrolled on 23 August 2024. High-speed boat operators log self-reported pain data via a smartphone app, using a Visual Analogue Scale and pain drawings. Triaxial accelerometers are installed on boat hulls and worn by participants to measure impact exposure. Data analysis assesses correlations between exposure and reported pain, enabling the identification of risk factors and the development of safety guidelines for high-speed boat operations. Ethics and dissemination The study has received ethical approval from the relevant ethics committees, including the Swedish Ethics Review Authority (no. 2022-04931-01). All participants will provide informed consent before enrolment. The findings will be disseminated through technical reports, articles in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and direct engagement with military and maritime stakeholders to enhance training protocols and safety measures.