Human Performance Collaborative Highlights Interdisciplinary Research at MHSRS 2026

HPC researchers shared key findings on recovery, wearable technology, and tactical readiness at the premier military health scientific symposium.

August 12, 2026

Researchers from the Human Performance Collaborative (HPC) recently represented The Ohio State University at the 2026 Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS) in Kissimmee, Florida.

MHSRS serves as the Department of War’s premier scientific meeting, gathering military, academic, and industry experts to address the unique medical and operational challenges faced by service members and tactical populations. Throughout the four-day event, HPC researchers contributed to scientific discourse through podium and poster presentations focused on optimizing readiness, recovery, and human monitoring technologies.

Research Presentations

1 Margaret Hollander

Poster Presentation: "Full-Body Photobiomodulation Therapy for Recovery and Operational Readiness: A Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial"

2 Nathan Edwards, PhD

Poster Presentation: "Lower Body Functional Performance is Associated with Pain Interference and Pain Intensity for Women in High-Stress Occupations"

3 John Paul Anders, PhD

Poster Presentation: "Wearable-derived Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Health, Sleep, and Readiness in Female First Responders"

4 Angela Emerson

Oral Presentation: "From accurate enough to used enough: linking decision-relevant accuracy to real-world adoption in military wearables"

Fostering Collaboration & Future Impact

Beyond formal presentations, the symposium provided an essential venue for interdisciplinary networking and knowledge exchange. HPC team members engaged with collaborative partners across academia and defense agencies to discuss emerging methodologies and future research directions.

Exchanging ideas with leading experts across defense health is vital to ensuring university research translates into actionable, real-world solutions for tactical personnel and first responders. The HPC remains committed to advancing evidence-based strategies that elevate human performance and health span in high-stress environments.

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Photos

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Margaret Hollander presents a research poster at the 2026 Military Health System Research Symposium.

Nathan Edwards presents a research poster at the 2026 Military Health System Research Symposium.

John Paul Anders presents a research poster at the 2026 Military Health System Research Symposium.

Angela Emerson presents research at the 2026 Military Health System Research Symposium.

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Photos from the 2026 Military Health System Research Symposium featuring Human Performance Collaborative researchers presenting oral and poster presentations.

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