Physiological and cognitive performance of soldiers conducting routine patrol and reconnaissance operations in the tropics

Citation
D. Amos et al., Physiological and cognitive performance of soldiers conducting routine patrol and reconnaissance operations in the tropics, MILIT MED, 165(12), 2000, pp. 961-966
Citations number
17
Categorie Soggetti
General & Internal Medicine
Journal title
MILITARY MEDICINE
ISSN journal
00264075 → ACNP
Volume
165
Issue
12
Year of publication
2000
Pages
961 - 966
Database
ISI
SICI code
0026-4075(200012)165:12<961:PACPOS>2.0.ZU;2-M
Abstract
The physiological and cognitive performance of acclimatized soldiers undert aking routine patrol and reconnaissance activities in the tropics was inves tigated. Data were obtained during a patrol and a reconnaissance exercise f ollowed by a short assault. Ambient conditions were characterized by temper atures of 30 to 33 degreesC, low humidity (52-59%), and moderate to high so lar radiation. Maximum metabolic rates during patrol were high, although th e equipment carried was modest and the terrain was not severe. Rectal tempe ratures peaked at 38.2 and 38,4 degreesC for patrol and assault activities, respectively; peak heart rates were 160 beats min(-1) for each activity. S weat rates of approximately 9 and 14 g kg(-1) body weight h(-1) were record ed for patrol and assault activities, respectively. The soldiers maintained adequate hydration levels and displayed no evidence of deterioration in co gnitive performance. The data show that routine operational activities in t ropical conditions induced physiological strain in acclimatized soldiers. H owever, this strain was not maintained at hazardous levels for lengthy peri ods.