Article Text
Abstract
Introduction The study of the psychophysiological response during combat actions has been poorly researched despite its importance for warfighter training and specific instruction. The aim of the present investigation was to analyse the effect of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear personal protective equipment (PPE) on the psychophysiological response, mechanical and physical load and fine motor skills of professional soldiers in an endurance infantry manoeuvre.
Methods 16 soldiers conducted an assault manoeuvre with and without the PEE in separate days. We analysed before and after the manoeuvre the psychophysiological response, fine motor skills, shooting test accuracy and anxiety state.
Results The use of PPE produced significantly higher (p<0.05) stress, fatigue, temperature, HR, somatic anxiety and time in middle and high HR zones and significantly lower values in speed average and maximum speed. These findings can be used to improve the training and specific instruction for professionals who require the use of PPE equipment.
Conclusion The use of the PPE suit in an assault manoeuvre produces a decrease in the speed of movement, an increase in HR, body temperature, somatic anxiety and subjective perception of effort.
- heart rate
- temperature
- stress
- military
- gps
- ppe individual protective equipment
Statistics from Altmetric.com
Footnotes
Contributors VJC-S and AM were involved in the data colection and redaction of the present research.
Funding This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Obtained.
Ethics approval European University Ethic Committee. All the procedures were approved by the Head Quarter of the Unit, in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
Data availability statement No additional data are available.