Psychophysiological and Specific Fine Motor Skill Modifications in a Checkpoint Action

An Examination of Subjective and Objective Measures of Stress in Tactical Populations: A Scoping Review

Persons working in tactical occupations are often exposed to high-stress situations. If this stress is to be measured, an understanding of the stress outcomes used in these occupations is needed. The aim of this review was to capture and critically appraise research investigating subjective and objective outcome measures of physiological stress in tactical occupations. Several literature databases (PubMed, EMBASE, EBsco) were searched using key search words and terms. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were critically evaluated and scored by two authors using the Joanne Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. Of 17,171 articles, 42 studies were retained. The Cohen's Kappa agreement between authors was 0.829 with a mean JBI Score of included studies of 8.1/9 ± 0.37 points. Multiple subjective and objective measures were assessed during a variety of high-stress tasks and environments across different occupations, including police officers, emergency service personnel, firefighters, and soldiers in the military. Common objective outcomes measures were heart rate, cortisol, and body temperature, and subjective measures were ratings of perceived exertion, and the Self Trait Anxiety Inventory. Often used in combination (i.e., subjective and objective), these outcome measures can be used to monitor stressors faced by tactical personnel undergoing on-the-job training.

Are Crohn's Disease Patients Limited in Sport Practise? An UltraEndurance Case-Control Study Response

The aim of this study was to analyze the psychophysiological response of a Crohn's Disease patient in an ultra-endurance event. The psychophysiological responses of a Crohn's Disease and non-Crohn's Disease participant were analysed before during and after an 8 h ultra-endurance running event. Results showed how Crohn's patient presented a similar psychophysiological response than non-Crohn's participant in the ultra-endurance event, except for a higher pre- and post-event sympathetic modulation, lower event sympathetic tone, and lower event body temperature. This study could contribute to improving physical activity recommendations for persons with Crohn's Disease and open a new research line for an improved understanding of psychophysiological modifications of Crohn's Disease patients during exercise.

The Effect of Expertise during Simulated Flight Emergencies on the Autonomic Response and Operative Performance in Military Pilots

Heart rate variability (HRV) and performance response during emergency flight maneuvers were analyzed. Two expert pilots (ages 35 and 33) and two rookie pilots (ages 25) from the Portuguese Air Force participated in this case-control report study. Participants had to complete the following emergency protocols in a flight simulator: (1) take-off engine failure, (2) flight engine failure close to the base, (3) flight engine failure far away from the base, and (4) alternator failure. The HRV was collected during all these maneuvers, as well as the performance data (the time it took to go through the emergency protocol and the subjective information from the flight simulator operator). Results regarding autonomic modulation showed a higher sympathetic response during the emergency maneuvers when compared to baseline. In some cases, there was also a higher sympathetic response during the emergency maneuvers when compared with the take-off protocol. Regarding performance data, the expert pilots accomplished the missions in less time than the rookie pilots. Autonomic modulation measured from HRV through portable devices can easily relay important information. This information is relevant since characterizing these maneuvers can provide helpful information to design training strategies to improve those psychophysiological responses.

Psychomotor abilities of candidates for Polish Special Forces

Combat tasks involving special units often put a mental and physical strain on the soldiers. During the military operation, soldiers may struggle with multiple difficulties such as extreme physical effort, sleep deprivation, weather conditions, limited access to food and stress. These circumstances require a high level of cognitive ability (including psychomotor abilities) to overcome the physiological stress response and to be able to quickly and efficiently make decisions under stressful situations, especially in combat. The aim of the study was to assess the level of the psychomotor abilities of candidates for the Polish Special Forces. The study comprised 48 candidates for the Polish Special Forces (age: \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$30.06 \pm 2.87$$\end{document}30.06±2.87), 40 athletes (age: \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$27.93 \pm 3.91$$\end{document}27.93±3.91) and 40 non-athletes (age: 24). The study was performed using Test2Drive software. Four computer-based tests were used to assess the following psychomotor abilities: simple reaction time, choice reaction time, hand-eye coordination and two-dimensional visuomotor coordination/spatial orientation test (SPANT). The analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences in reaction time and motor time between the study groups. The shortest reaction time in each test was observed in athletes, while the shortest motor time was observed in soldiers. All the psychomotor tests, except for the number of correct answers in SPANT, demonstrated statistically significant differences between the studied groups. It was also found that military training had a positive effect on the motor time in every psychomotor test. As regards the reaction time, it was observed that the athletes were characterised with better reaction times than the special forces candidates. The study has confirmed that military training and sports training have a positive effect on the level of psychomotor abilities, especially motor time.

The effect of final dissertation defense language, native vs. non-native, in the psychophysiological stress response of university students

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of final dissertation defense language in the autonomic stress response and cortical arousal of Physiotherapy students. We analysed in 110 students divided in 2 groups: native language (83) and non-native language (27), the autonomic stress response in four different moments of the dissertation defense; the cortical arousal and subjective perception of distress before and after the dissertation; and academic performance perception of students and the real performance obtained. Results showed a high sympathetic modulation at the beginning of the evaluation, which was maintained until the end of the evaluation in both groups. In addition, no decrease in cortical activity was found, possibly due to the short time of exposure to the stressful event. The final dissertation defense of Physiotherapy students produces an anticipatory anxiety response and a maintained high sympathetic nervous system activation during the defense, not negatively affecting cortical arousal, regardless of defending in native or non-native language.

Psychophysiological Stress Response in an Underwater Evacuation Training

Background: This research aimed to analyze the psychophysiological stress response of air crews in an underwater evacuation training. Materials and Methods: We analyzed in 36 participants (39.06 ± 9.01 years) modifications in the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), subjective stress perception (SSP), heart rate (HR), blood oxygen saturation (BOS), cortical arousal (critical flicker fusion threshold, CFFT), heart rate variability (HRV), spirometry, isometric hand strength (IHS), and short-term memory (ST-M) before and after an underwater evacuation training. Results: The maneuver produced a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in the SSP, RPE, Mean HR and maximum HR (Max HR), and a decrease in minimum HR (Min HR) and HRV. Conclusion: An underwater evacuation training produced an increase in the sympathetic nervous system modulation, elevating the psychophysiological stress response of the air crews, not negatively affecting their cortical arousal.

Autonomic and cortical response of soldiers in different combat scenarios

INTRODUCTION

The study of chronic and acute responses when exposed to extreme, aggressive and stressful environments, such as in combat environments, is becoming increasingly popular as such information leads to better optimisation of soldiers' physical and psychological performance, as well as mission effectiveness and efficiency. Due to internal complexity, uncertainty and variability of real combat scenarios, a specific approach to all possible types of military combat scenarios is necessary.

METHODS

Modifications in the autonomic modulation and cortical arousal before and after asymmetrical, symmetrical and close quarter combat simulations were analysed in 31 male professional veteran soldiers (age: 34.5±4.2 years) with between seven and 18 years of experience in their respective units, as well as experience in international missions in current conflict areas such as Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq.

RESULTS

The three combat situations produced a non-significant decrease in cortical arousal after combat simulations, presenting a trivial effect size in symmetrical and close quarter combat situations and a small effect size in asymmetrical situations. HR increased significantly in the three combat situations, and close quarter combat produced the highest sympathetic modulation of the three situations analysed.

CONCLUSION

Symmetrical, asymmetrical and close quarter combat situations produced an increase in sympathetic modulation, being highest in the close quarter combat situation, where actions are performed at a close distance and in closed spaces.

Psychophysiological modifications in an assault infantry manoeuvre using a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear personal protective equipment

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.