The Relationship of Job Performance to Physical Fitness and Its Application to U. S. Navy Submariners

Abstract

During a nuclear submarine patrol (SSN/SSBN) physical activity is severely curtailed for a majority of individuals because of the closed confines of the submarine. Work schedules and studying for self-advancement may also contribute to an inhibition of exercise even in submariners normally motivated to exercise. Two resultant effects of physical deconditioning are a rapid decrement in one's maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and an increasing development of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, submariners are known to have a high caloric intake, high coffee ingestion, and a high rate of smoking. It is well known that these factors all contribute to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). The question of whether career submariners are predisposed to a premature development of CAD has not been resolved. Implementation of a shipboard exercise program will prevent physical deconditioning and will maintain a sense of well-being during patrol and ultimately may lead to increased effectiveness and efficiency of the submarine crew.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 29, 1981
Accession Number
ADA108198

Entities

People

  • Brad L. Bennett
  • Kenneth R. Bondi

Organizations

  • Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Blood
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Chemistry
  • Education
  • Heart Diseases
  • Heart Rate
  • Medical Personnel
  • Motor Skills
  • Musculoskeletal Physiology
  • Myocardial Ischemia
  • Physical Activity
  • Physiology
  • Psychology
  • Students

Readers

  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design