The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and acceptance of Web-based (WB) versus face-to-face (FF) lecturing. There were 48 soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg, NC who completed the study, participating in either a Web-based or face-to-face lecture on nutrition for performance. The lecture was 30 minutes long. Participants completed a prequiz and survey before the lecture and a postquiz and survey at its conclusion. Results showed there was no difference in the effectiveness of the two mediums on the basis of postquiz scores (Web-based group = 75.68; face-to-face group = 73.27; p = 0.436). Change in scores from pre to post also showed no difference between the two groups (p = 0.375). Assessing the acceptance of the two teaching mediums, there was no significant difference reported, except for the instructor's ability to answer questions (p = 0.05). The conclusion of this study is that Web-based learning can be an effective and acceptable tool for registered dietitians to educate soldiers on nutrition for performance.

Evidenced based practice guidelines for nutrition support recommend implementation of early enteral nutrition (EEN) in certain patient populations, including trauma and critical illness. Early enteral nutrition has been associated with immune benefits, improved healing, reduced length of stay, and a trend towards a reduction in mortality. Rapid evacuation of combat casualties across the continuum of care presents challenges to implementing EEN during wartime operations. This is the first study to examine enteral feeding practices for combat casualties during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The study method was a prospective records review of all U.S. military combat casualties evacuated from a Combat Support Hospital (CSH) in Iraq, from 1 November to 31 December 2006. The results of this study suggest that casualties who meet the criteria for EEN are not receiving it at the CSH in theater. Further research is needed to explore the impact of delayed enteral nutrition in the combat casualty.