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Tornero-Aguilera JF, Stergiou M, Rubio-Zarapuz A, Martín-Rodríguez A, Massuça LM, Clemente-Suárez VJ. Optimising Combat Readiness: Practical Strategies for Integrating Physiological and Psychological Resilience in Soldier Training. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1160. [PMID: 38921275 PMCID: PMC11202720 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This narrative review examines the intricate psychophysiological interplay between cognitive functions and physical responses within military personnel engaged in combat. It elucidates the spectrum of responses elicited by symmetric and asymmetric warfare alongside specialised combat scenarios, including close-quarters and subterranean warfare. Central to this discourse is the emphasis on integrating training programs beyond physical conditioning to encompass psychological resilience and decision-making efficacy under duress. The exploration further ventures into applying advanced technologies such as virtual reality and wearable devices, highlighting their pivotal role in augmenting training outcomes and supporting soldier health. Through a detailed analysis of psychophysiological variations across different military branches of service, the narrative review advocates for bespoke training regimens and support frameworks tailored to address the unique exigencies of each service branch. Concluding observations stress the importance of evolving military training paradigms, advocating for adopting realistic, immersive training simulations that mirror the complexities of the contemporary battlefield. This synthesis aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on optimising military training protocols and enhancing the operational readiness and well-being of armed forces personnel. This narrative review is essential for military psychologists, trainers, and policymakers, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation in military training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (J.F.T.-A.); (M.S.); (A.R.-Z.); (A.M.-R.); (V.J.C.-S.)
| | - Maria Stergiou
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (J.F.T.-A.); (M.S.); (A.R.-Z.); (A.M.-R.); (V.J.C.-S.)
| | - Alejandro Rubio-Zarapuz
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (J.F.T.-A.); (M.S.); (A.R.-Z.); (A.M.-R.); (V.J.C.-S.)
| | - Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (J.F.T.-A.); (M.S.); (A.R.-Z.); (A.M.-R.); (V.J.C.-S.)
| | - Luís Miguel Massuça
- ICPOL—Police Research Center, Higher Institute of Police Sciences and Internal Security, 1300-663 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação em Desporto, Educação Física, Exercício e Saúde (CIDEFES), Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4200-450 Oporto, Portugal
| | - Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (J.F.T.-A.); (M.S.); (A.R.-Z.); (A.M.-R.); (V.J.C.-S.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
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Stergiou M, Robles-Pérez JJ, Rey-Mota J, Tornero-Aguilera JF, Clemente-Suárez VJ. Psychophysiological Responses in Soldiers during Close Combat: Implications for Occupational Health and Fitness in Tactical Populations. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:82. [PMID: 38200988 PMCID: PMC10779181 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study explores the psychophysiological responses and subjective exertion experiences of soldiers in simulated hand-to-hand combat, aligning these findings with established physiological benchmarks. Active military personnel were monitored for heart rate, blood lactate levels, subjective exertion, cortical arousal, and muscle strength during combat scenarios. The results showed significant increases in heart rate and blood lactate, indicating intense cardiovascular demands and a reliance on anaerobic energy systems. Contrary to these physiological changes, soldiers reported lower levels of exertion, suggesting a possible underestimation of physical effort or individual differences in perception and mental resilience to stress. Notably, a decrease in cortical arousal post-combat was observed, potentially signaling cognitive function deficits in decision-making and information processing in high-stress environments. This decline was more pronounced than typically seen in other high-stress situations, highlighting the unique cognitive demands of hand-to-hand combat. Additionally, an increase in muscle strength was noted, underscoring the physiological adaptations arising from intensive combat training. These findings provide valuable insights into the psychophysiological effects of hand-to-hand combat, emphasizing the complex interplay between physical exertion, cognitive function, and stress response in military contexts. The study underscores the need for comprehensive training strategies that address both physical and psychological aspects to enhance combat readiness and decision-making under stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stergiou
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
- Center for Applied Combat Studies (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain; (J.J.R.-P.); (J.R.-M.)
| | - José Juan Robles-Pérez
- Center for Applied Combat Studies (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain; (J.J.R.-P.); (J.R.-M.)
- USAC ‘San Cristobal-Villaverde’—Ejército de Tierra, Av. de Andalucía, Km. 10, Villaverde, 28021 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Rey-Mota
- Center for Applied Combat Studies (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain; (J.J.R.-P.); (J.R.-M.)
| | - José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
- Center for Applied Combat Studies (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain; (J.J.R.-P.); (J.R.-M.)
| | - Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
- Center for Applied Combat Studies (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain; (J.J.R.-P.); (J.R.-M.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
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Nevin J, Jones MI. Human Performance Optimization (HPO) for the Warfighter—Keeping It Simple in a Complex Age: A Narrative Review. Strength Cond J 2022. [DOI: 10.1519/ssc.0000000000000766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Clemente-Suárez VJ, Villafaina S, García-Calvo T, Fuentes-García JP. Impact of HIIT Sessions with and without Cognitive Load on Cortical Arousal, Accuracy and Perceived Exertion in Amateur Tennis Players. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:767. [PMID: 35627904 PMCID: PMC9142095 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10050767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises, with and without cognitive load, on the accuracy, critical flicker fusion threshold (CFFT), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) on recreational tennis players. A total of 32 players of tennis at recreational level (25 men and 7 women) were enrolled in this cross-sectional the study. Participants had to perform, randomly, two HIIT sessions. In one of them, cognitive load was induced by conducting an incongruent Stroop during rests. After training accuracy of tennis serve, CFFT, and RPE were measured. Results showed that accuracy after baseline and HIIT without cognitive load were significantly higher than after HIIT with cognitive load. RPE significantly increased (p-value < 0.001) after HIIT sessions in both, with and without cognitive load. However, significant differences were not observed between the two sessions in the RPE (p-value = 0.405). Furthermore, differences were not obtained in the CFFT neither within nor between sessions (p-value > 0.05). Therefore, HIIT with and without cognitive load increased the RPE in recreational tennis players. Furthermore, HIIT sessions with cognitive load significant altered tennis serve accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
- Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
| | - Santos Villafaina
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (T.G.-C.); (J.P.F.-G.)
- Departamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
| | - Tomás García-Calvo
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (T.G.-C.); (J.P.F.-G.)
| | - Juan Pedro Fuentes-García
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (T.G.-C.); (J.P.F.-G.)
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Modification in Psychophysiological Stress Parameters of Soldiers after an Integral Operative Training Prior to a Real Mission. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14052792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background. Military personel could be defined as “Tactical Athletes”. However, experimental evidence about the effects of new HIIT trainings in comparison with traditional training schedules is lacking. The aim of this study was to experimentally analyze the modifications on psycho-physiological and performance response of soldiers after completing experimental integral operative training. (2) Methods. A total of 43 male subjects of a special unit force of the Spanish armed forces were randomly selected and assigned into the experimental and control groups assessed after training and after deploying in a real operation area. The experimental group underwent an integral operative pre-mission 6-week training (IOT), and the control group, the 6-week traditional training. (3) Results. HIIT-based integral operative training significantly improved combat performance (melee combat score) and the psychophysiological stress response, as measured by heart rate variability indexes. (4) Conclusion. This study provides experimental evidence supporting a new integral operative effective for improved autonomic regulation, reduced perceived stress, melee and close-quarter combat techniques, in addition to aerobic and anaerobic performance and lower body strength in comparison with the traditional training.
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The Added Value of Musculoskeletal Simulation for the Study of Physical Performance in Military Tasks. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21165588. [PMID: 34451033 PMCID: PMC8402289 DOI: 10.3390/s21165588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The performance of military tasks is often exacerbated by additional load carriage, leading to increased physical demand. Previous studies showed that load carriage may lead to increased risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries, a reduction in task speed and mobility, and overall performance degradation. However, these studies were limited to a non-ambulatory setting, and the underlying causes of performance degradation remain unclear. To obtain insights into the underlying mechanisms of reduced physical performance during load-carrying military activities, this study proposes a combination of IMUs and musculoskeletal modeling. Motion data of military subjects was captured using an Xsens suit during the performance of an agility run under three different load-carrying conditions (no load, 16 kg, and 31 kg). The physical performance of one subject was assessed by means of inertial motion-capture driven musculoskeletal analysis. Our results showed that increased load carriage led to an increase in metabolic power and energy, changes in muscle parameters, a significant increase in completion time and heart rate, and changes in kinematic parameters. Despite the exploratory nature of this study, the proposed approach seems promising to obtain insight into the underlying mechanisms that result in performance degradation during load-carrying military activities.
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Tornero-Aguilera JF, Gil-Cabrera J, Fernandez-Lucas J, Clemente-Suárez VJ. The effect of experience on the psychophysiological response and shooting performance under acute physical stress of soldiers. Physiol Behav 2021; 238:113489. [PMID: 34097974 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Present research studied the psychophysiological response and shooting performance taking into consideration the experience of the soldier after a physical stress protocol, which leaded to acute fatigue conditions. Sixty soldiers were divided into experienced and non-experienced groups to conduct a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) based on endurance type exercises (10 intervals of 40 m run at maximum intensity with 2 changes of direction and 45 s of recovery. Psychophysiological and shooting performance variables were measured before, during and after the HIIT protocol. Significant increases in heart rate, blood lactate, lower limbs strength, as well as a significant decrease in blood oxygen saturation and body temperature were found in both groups. Shooting performance was affected by experience and fatigue, being more accentuated in non-experienced. Present HIIT protocol elicited a similar psychophysiological response than in previously reported combat manoeuvres, thus proving to be an optimal stimuli approach/intervention for soldier's specific physical preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
- Universidad Europea de Madrid. Faculty of Sports Sciences, Madrid, España; Studies Centre in Applied Combat (CESCA), Toledo, Spain
| | - Jaime Gil-Cabrera
- Universidad Europea de Madrid. Faculty of Sports Sciences, Madrid, España; Studies Centre in Applied Combat (CESCA), Toledo, Spain
| | - Jesús Fernandez-Lucas
- Applied Biotechnology Group, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Urbanización El Bosque, E-28670 Villaviciosa de Odón (Madrid), Spain; Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, GICNEX, Universidad de la Costa, CUC, Calle 58 # 55 - 66. Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Universidad Europea de Madrid. Faculty of Sports Sciences, Madrid, España; Studies Centre in Applied Combat (CESCA), Toledo, Spain; Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad. Universidad de la Costa. Barranquilla. Colombia.
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Tornero-Aguilera JF, Sanchez-Molina J, Clemente-Suárez VJ. Airsoft: an efficient and motivating cardiovascular training choice. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2020; 61:124-130. [PMID: 32674542 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.20.11167-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity and sedentarism have reached pandemic levels, postulating World Health Organization physical exercise as an important key factor for the prevention and treatment. In order to find a motivating and effective physical activity, we conducted this research intending to analyze the physiological and mechanical demands of an airsoft game. METHODS Cardiovascular and mechanical activity were analyzed by heart rate monitors and GPS in 32 sedentary subjects (27.3±6.2 years; 26.3±7.9 BMI). RESULTS Participants performed moderate to vigorous aerobic intensity for 3 hours and 20 min of which 55.2% was between 60-70% of their maximal heart rate and 14.2% above 70% of it, turned into distance 9.5 km of which 91.5% was moderate and 8.5% vigorous intensity. CONCLUSIONS A single airsoft game performed by sedentary subject exceed the international recommendation of physical activity and weekly physical activity of US adults' citizens. This motivating and outdoor activity is an effective alternative to increase the population's physical activity levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- José F Tornero-Aguilera
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, European University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Studies Center in Applied Combat (CESCA), Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Vicente J Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, European University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain - .,Studies Center in Applied Combat (CESCA), Toledo, Spain.,University of the Coast, Barranquilla, Colombia
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