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Liu B, Zou M, Bao H, Xu X, Liu X, Zhang B, Yang Q, Li F. Mental health and meaning in life in Chinese military personnel: a cross-lagged analysis. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:426. [PMID: 39103874 PMCID: PMC11301852 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01932-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burgeoning field of research on the dual-factor model of mental health (DFM) has highlighted its significance, yet the applicability of the DFM in military personnel and its longitudinal relationships with different dimensions of meaning in life remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the applicability of the DFM for military personnel and to investigate longitudinal relationships between the dual factors of mental health (negative factor, positive factor) and the two dimensions of meaning in life (presence of meaning, search for meaning) in military personnel. METHODS In this study, data were collected in two waves (April and August 2023) from 227 Chinese military personnel. We constructed a dual-factor model with depression as the negative factor and subjective well-being as the positive factor, and we compared it with a single-factor model to determine if DFM could be applied to military personnel. We also constructed a cross-lagged model to investigate longitudinal relationships between depression, subjective well-being, presence of meaning, and search for meaning. RESULTS According to the findings, military personnel fit better with the DFM than with the single-factor model. Cross-lagged analysis results revealed that both the presence of meaning and the search for meaning negatively predicted depression and positively predicted subjective well-being. CONCLUSIONS The DFM had good applicability among military personnel. Both the presence of meaning and the search for meaning could improve military mental health, suggesting that both dimensions of meaning in life may be potential targets for improving military mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Mingxuan Zou
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Public Health School, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Hongxiang Bao
- Frontier Medical Service Training Brigade, Army Medical University, Hutubi, 831200, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Air Force Bureau of Trainee Pilot Selection (Nanjing Central Division), Nanjing, 210018, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- Department of Psychology, NO. 986 Hospital of Air Force, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- 1st Group of the Sixth Regiment, First Training Base of Air Force Aviation University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Qun Yang
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Fengzhan Li
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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Liu T, Liu J, Ma S, Wang X, Guo X, Qi X. Association of Gastrointestinal Symptoms with Depression and Anxiety in Recruits: A Validation Cross-Sectional Study. Adv Ther 2024; 41:3173-3182. [PMID: 38900352 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-024-02911-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gastrointestinal symptoms as well as depression and anxiety can negatively affect the effectiveness of military training and combat in general. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in recruits and further validate their associations with depression and anxiety. METHODS A self-report questionnaire was sent to the recruits in an army in April 2022, which primarily included the Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) for the assessment of gastrointestinal symptoms, the Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) for stool consistency and shape, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression, and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) for anxiety. Correlation of gastrointestinal symptoms with depression and anxiety was evaluated. RESULTS Overall, 467 recruits were included. Their median age was 21.0 years old (range: 18.0-24.0), and 98.1% of them were male. The proportion of gastrointestinal symptoms, abnormal stools, depression, and anxiety was 69.2% (n = 323), 11.3% (n = 53), 17.6% (n = 82), and 12.2% (n = 57), respectively. The recruits with gastrointestinal symptoms evaluated by GSRS had significantly higher prevalence of depression (P < 0.001) and anxiety (P < 0.001) than those without. GSRS score positively correlated with PHQ-9 (rs = 0.440, P < 0.001) and GAD-7 score (rs = 0.386, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Gastrointestinal symptoms are very common in recruits, and positively correlate with depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingwei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110840, Liaoning Province, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liaoning Electric Center Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Military Joint Teaching and Research Office, The 32684 Troop of Chinese PLA, Shenyang, China
| | - Shaoze Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110840, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110840, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiaozhong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110840, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xingshun Qi
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110840, Liaoning Province, China.
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Schram B, Orr R, Niederberger B, Givens A, Bernards J, Kelly KR. Cardiovascular Demand Differences Between Male and Female US Marine Recruits During Progressive Loaded Hikes. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:e454-e458. [PMID: 38683971 PMCID: PMC11286159 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Schram, B, Orr, R, Niederberger, B, Givens, A, Bernards, J, and Kelly, KR. Cardiovascular demand differences between male and female US Marine recruits during progressive loaded hikes. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): e454-e458, 2024-Despite having to carry the same occupational load, female soldiers tend to be lighter than male soldiers. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in cardiovascular load between female and male US Marine recruits during progressive load carriage hikes. United States Marine Corps recruits (565 male recruits; 364 female recruits) completed 6 loaded hikes over 6 weeks (1: 10 kg, 30 minutes; 2: 10 kg, 45 minutes; 3: 15 kg, 30 minutes, 4: 15 kg, 45 minutes; 5: 20 kg, 30 minutes; 6: 20 kg, 45 minutes) during which cardiovascular response was measured. Average heart rate (HRavg), HR maximum (HRmax), and pace were measured via a wrist-worn physiological monitor. Independent sample t -tests were conducted to compare between sexes, with significance set at 0.008 after adjusting for multiple comparisons. The average female recruit had significantly lower body mass (BM) compared with the average male recruit ( p < 0.001) and thus carried a significantly heavier relative load. (10 kg ∼17%, 15 kg ∼25%, 20 kg ∼33%, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in pace in any hike, and no significant differences were found in HRavg or HRmax when comparing female and male Marines during Hike 1. For female Marines, HRavg was significantly higher compared with male Marines during Hike 2 (+6.5 b·min -1 , p < 0.001) and Hike 3 (+7.4 b·min -1 , p < 0.001), and both HRavg and HRmax were significantly higher in Hike 4 (+11.9 b·min -1 , +8.4 b·min -1 , p < 0.001), Hike 5 (+7.7 b·min -1 , +7.9 b·min -1 , p < 0.001), and Hike 6 (+6.9 b·min -1 , +7.1 b·min -1 , p < 0.001), respectively. Female Marines endured greater cardiovascular demand compared with male Marines during load carriage events when carrying loads greater than 15 kg (∼25% BM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Schram
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Robin Orr
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Brenda Niederberger
- Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California; and
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Andrea Givens
- Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California; and
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Jake Bernards
- Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California; and
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Karen R. Kelly
- Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California; and
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Kloss EB, Niederberger BA, Givens AC, Beck MS, Bernards JR, Bennett DW, Kelly KR. Quantification of daily workload, energy expenditure, and sleep of US Marine recruits throughout a 10-week boot camp. Work 2024; 77:1285-1294. [PMID: 38489209 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During periods of high-volume vigorous exercise, United States Marine Corps recruits often experience musculoskeletal injuries. While the program of instruction (POI) for basic training is a defined training volume, the total workload of boot camp, including movements around the base, is unknown. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to quantify the daily total workload, energy expenditure, and sleep during basic recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego. METHODS Eighty-four male recruits from MCRD San Diego wore wrist wearable physiological monitors to capture their complete workload (mileage from steps), energy expenditure, and sleep throughout the 10-week boot camp. RESULTS Marine recruits traveled an average of 11.5±3.4 miles per day (M±SD), expended 4105±823 kcal per day, and slept an average of 5 : 48±1 : 06 hours and minutes per night. While the POI designates a total of 46.3 miles of running and hiking, the actual daily average miles yielded approximately 657.6±107.2 miles over the 10-week boot camp. CONCLUSION Recruit training requires high physical demand and time under tension due to the cumulative volume of movements around base in addition to the POI planned physical training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily B Kloss
- pplied Translational Exercise and Metabolic Physiology Team, Warfighter Performance, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Brenda A Niederberger
- pplied Translational Exercise and Metabolic Physiology Team, Warfighter Performance, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Andrea C Givens
- pplied Translational Exercise and Metabolic Physiology Team, Warfighter Performance, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Meghan S Beck
- pplied Translational Exercise and Metabolic Physiology Team, Warfighter Performance, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jake R Bernards
- pplied Translational Exercise and Metabolic Physiology Team, Warfighter Performance, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Daniel W Bennett
- pplied Translational Exercise and Metabolic Physiology Team, Warfighter Performance, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
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Polusny MA, Marquardt CA, Hubbling M, Campbell EH, Arbisi PA, Davenport ND, Lim KO, Lissek S, Schaefer JD, Sponheim SR, Masten AS, Noorbaloochi S. Adaptation in Young Military Recruits: Protocol for the Advancing Research on Mechanisms of Resilience (ARMOR) Prospective Longitudinal Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e51235. [PMID: 37792432 PMCID: PMC10585449 DOI: 10.2196/51235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Military services provide a unique opportunity for studying resilience, a dynamic process of successful adaptation (ie, doing well in terms of functioning and symptoms) in response to significant adversity. Despite the tremendous interest in positive adaptation among military service members, little is known about the processes underlying their resilience. Understanding the neurobiological, cognitive, and social mechanisms underlying adaptive functioning following military stressor exposure is essential for enhancing the resilience of military service members. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of the Advancing Research on Mechanisms of Resilience (ARMOR) longitudinal study is to characterize the trajectories of positive adaptation among young military recruits in response to basic combat training (BCT), a well-defined, uniform, and 10-week period of intense stress (aim 1), and identify promotive and protective processes contributing to individual variations in resilience (aim 2). The secondary objective is to investigate the pathways by which neurobehavioral markers of self-regulation assessed using electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging contribute to adaptive trajectories (aim 3). METHODS ARMOR is an ongoing, prospective longitudinal cohort study of young military recruits who recently joined the National Guard but have not yet shipped out for BCT. Participants (N=1201) are assessed at 5 time points over the initial >2 years of military service beginning before BCT (baseline) and followed up at 2 weeks and 6, 12, and 18 months after BCT. Participants complete web-based questionnaires assessing vulnerability and protective factors, mental health, and socioemotional functioning at each time point and a battery of neurocognitive tests at time 0. A subset of participants also complete structured diagnostic interviews and additional self-report measures and perform neurobehavioral tasks before and after BCT during electroencephalography sessions and before BCT only during magnetic resonance imaging sessions. RESULTS This UG3/UH3 project was initially funded in August 2017, with the UG3 pilot work completed at the end of 2018. The UH3 phase of the project was funded in March 2019. Study enrollment for the UH3 phase began on April 14, 2019, and ended on October 16, 2021. A total of 1201 participants are enrolled in the study. Follow-up data collection for the UH3 phase is ongoing and projected to continue through February 2024. We will disseminate the findings through conferences, webinars, open access publications, and communications with participants and stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS The ARMOR study provides a rich data set to identify the predictors and mechanisms of resilient and nonresilient outcomes in the context of military stressors, which are intended to empirically inform the development of prevention and intervention strategies to enhance the resilience of military trainees and potentially other young people facing significant life challenges. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/51235.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Polusny
- Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Craig A Marquardt
- Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Michelle Hubbling
- Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Emily Hagel Campbell
- Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Paul A Arbisi
- Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Nicholas D Davenport
- Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Kelvin O Lim
- Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Shmuel Lissek
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jonathan D Schaefer
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Scott R Sponheim
- Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Ann S Masten
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Siamak Noorbaloochi
- Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Polusny MA, Marquardt CA, Hubbling S, Campbell EH, Arbisi PA, Davenport ND, Lim KO, Lissek S, Schaefer JD, Sponheim SR, Masten AS, Noorbaloochi S. Advancing Research on Mechanisms of Resilience (ARMOR) Prospective Longitudinal Study of Adaptation in Young Military Recruits: Protocol and rationale for methods and measures. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.07.07.23292348. [PMID: 37502945 PMCID: PMC10370239 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.07.23292348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Military service provides a unique opportunity for studying resilience, a dynamic process of successful adaptation (i.e., doing well in terms of functioning and symptoms) in response to significant adversity. Despite tremendous interest in positive adaptation among military service members, little is known about the processes underlying their resilience. Understanding neurobiological, cognitive, and social mechanisms underlying adaptive functioning following military stressor exposure is essential to enhance the resilience of military service members. Objectives The primary objective of the Advancing Research on Mechanisms of Resilience (ARMOR) longitudinal study is to characterize trajectories of positive adaptation among young military recruits in response to Basic Combat Training (BCT), a well-defined, uniform, 10-week period of intense stress (Aim 1) and identify promotive and protective processes contributing to individual variations in resilience (Aim 2). The secondary objective is to investigate pathways by which neurobehavioral markers of self-regulation assessed by electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contribute to adaptive trajectories (Aim 3). Methods ARMOR is an ongoing, prospective longitudinal cohort study of young military recruits who recently joined the National Guard but have not yet shipped for BCT. Participants (N=1,201) are assessed at five timepoints over the initial 2+ years of military service beginning before BCT (baseline) and followed up at 2 weeks, 6, 12, and 18 months post-BCT. At each time point, participants complete online questionnaires assessing vulnerability and protective factors, mental health and social-emotional functioning, and, at Time 0 only, a battery of neurocognitive tests. A subset of participants also complete structured diagnostic interviews, additional self-report measures, and perform neurobehavioral tasks before and after BCT during EEG sessions, and, at pre-BCT only, during MRI sessions. Results Study enrollment began April 14, 2019 and ended in October 16, 2021. A total of 1,201 participants are enrolled in the study (68.9% male; mean age = 18.9, SD = 3.0). Follow-up data-collection is ongoing and projected to continue through March 2024. We will disseminate findings through conferences, webinars, open access publications, and communications with participants and stakeholders. Conclusions Results are expected to elucidate how young military recruits adapt to military stressors during the initial years of military service. Understanding positive adaptation of military recruits in the face of BCT has implications for developing prevention and intervention strategies to enhance resilience of military trainees and potentially other young people facing significant life challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Polusny
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
- Center for Care Delivery Outcomes Research, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School
| | - Craig A Marquardt
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School
| | - Shelly Hubbling
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School
| | - Emily Hagel Campbell
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
- Center for Care Delivery Outcomes Research, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Paul A Arbisi
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Nicholas D Davenport
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School
| | - Kelvin O Lim
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School
| | - Shumel Lissek
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | - Scott R Sponheim
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Ann S Masten
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Siamak Noorbaloochi
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
- Center for Care Delivery Outcomes Research, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School
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Givens AC, Bernards JR, Kelly KR. Characterization of Female US Marine Recruits: Workload, Caloric Expenditure, Fitness, Injury Rates, and Menstrual Cycle Disruption during Bootcamp. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071639. [PMID: 37049480 PMCID: PMC10096956 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Basic training is centered on developing the physical and tactical skills essential to train a recruit into a Marine. The abrupt increase in activity and energy expenditure in young recruits may contribute to high rates of musculoskeletal injuries, to which females are more susceptible. To date, the total workload of United State Marine Corps (USMC) bootcamp is unknown and should include movement around the military base (e.g., to and from dining facilities, training locations, and classrooms). Thus, the purpose of this effort was to quantify workload and caloric expenditure, as well as qualitatively assess the impact of female reproductive health and injury rates in female recruits. Female recruits (n = 79; age: 19.1 ± 0.2 years, weight: 59.6 ± 0.8 kg, height: 161.6 ± 0.7 cm) wore physiological monitors daily throughout 10 weeks of USMC bootcamp. Physical fitness test scores, physiological metrics from wearables, injury data, and menstrual cycle information were obtained. Female recruits on average expended 3096 ± 9 kcal per day, walked 11.0 ± 0.1 miles per day, and slept 5:43 ± 1:06 h:min per night throughout the 10 weeks of bootcamp. About one-third (35%) of female recruits sustained an injury. In a subset of females that were not taking birth control and had previously been menstruating, 85% experienced cycle dysfunction during boot camp. High levels of physical activity and caloric expenditure, coupled with the stress of a new environment and insufficient sleep, may lead to alterations in female reproductive cycles and musculoskeletal injuries in young USMC recruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C. Givens
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
- Applied Translational Exercise and Metabolic Physiology Team, Warfighter Performance, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Jake R. Bernards
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
- Applied Translational Exercise and Metabolic Physiology Team, Warfighter Performance, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Karen R. Kelly
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +(619)-553-9291
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Corrigan SL, Roberts SSH, Warmington SA, Drain JR, Tait JL, Bulmer S, Main LC. Overnight heart rate variability responses to military combat engineer training. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 107:103935. [PMID: 36371929 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to determine if overnight heart rate variability (HRV) is reflective of workload and stress during military training. Measures of cognitive load, perceived exertion, physical activity, nocturnal HRV, cognitive performance and sleep were recorded for a 15-day assessment period in 32 combat engineers. The assessment period consisted of 4 phases, PRE, FIELD, BASE and RECOVERY that exposed trainees to periods of sleep deprivation and restriction. The FIELD phase was characterised by an increase in mood disturbance, perceived exertion, physical activity, HRV and a reduction in sleep quantity (p < 0.05). Measures of HRV returned to PRE-values quicker than subjective wellbeing responses. The combination of sleep duration (β = -0.002, F = 13.42, p < 0.001) and physical activity (metabolic equivalents, β = -0.483, F = 5.95, p = 0.017), the main stressors of the exercise, provided a significant effect in the best predictive model of HRV. The different recovery rates of HRV and subjective wellbeing suggest a different physiological and psychological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L Corrigan
- Deakin University, Centre for Sport Research, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | - Stuart A Warmington
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jace R Drain
- Defence Science and Technology Group, Fishermans Bend, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jamie L Tait
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sean Bulmer
- Deakin University, Centre for Sport Research, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luana C Main
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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Bulmer S, Corrigan SL, Drain JR, Tait JL, Aisbett B, Roberts S, Gastin PB, Main LC. Characterising Psycho-Physiological Responses and Relationships during a Military Field Training Exercise. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14767. [PMID: 36429484 PMCID: PMC9690080 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Over a 15-day period, that included an eight-day field trial, the aims of this study were to (1) quantify the physical workload, sleep and subjective well-being of soldiers in training; (2a) Explore relationships between workload and well-being, and (2b) sleep and well-being; (3) Explore relationships between workload, sleep, and well-being. METHODS Sixty-two Combat Engineer trainees (59 male, 3 female; age: 25.2 ± 7.2 years) wore an ActiGraph GT9X to monitor daily energy expenditure, physical activity, and sleep. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE), sleep quality, and fatigue were measured daily, subjective well-being was reported days 1, 5, 9, 13 and 15. Multi-level models were used for the analysis. RESULTS Well-being was affected by a combination of variables including workload, subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency. RPE and subjective sleep quality were consistently significant parameters within the models of best fit. CONCLUSIONS Perceptions of well-being were lower during the field training when physical workload increased, and sleep decreased. Energy expenditure was comparatively low, while daily sleep duration was consistent with field training literature. Subjective assessments of workload and sleep quality were consistently effective in explaining variations in well-being and represent an efficient approach to monitor training status of personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Bulmer
- Deakin University, Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Sean L. Corrigan
- Deakin University, Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Jace R. Drain
- Defence Science and Technology Group, Fisherman’s Bend, Melbourne, VIC 3207, Australia
| | - Jamie L. Tait
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Brad Aisbett
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Spencer Roberts
- Deakin University, Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Paul B. Gastin
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Luana C. Main
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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