Sustained Operations: Research Results
Abstract
The effects of a laboratory simulated reconnaissance operation on behavioral and physiological performance were assessed in seven separate sustained operations (SUSOP) studies involving Marine Corps volunteers. The scenario of this week-long SUSOP involved two 20-hr continuous work episodes with a break period of 3 to 4 hours of sleep or rest. One half of the volunteer subjects experienced 30-40% VO2Max physical work load by walking on a motor- driven treadmill. All subjects performed psychological cognitive tasks. The immediate goal of these seven studies was to obtain an estimate of the performance recuperative power of a nap of 3 to 4 duration. Their long-term goal was to define the limits of human endurance in a SUSOP conducted under hostile environments. The results suggested that (1) starting time of a mission should be chosen to avoid extending a continuous work period into early morning hours of circadian trough, (2) a 3-4 hour nap is not long enough to allow recovery from fatigue of a 20-hour continuous work episode to maintain baseline level of performance during successive continuous work episodes, (3) a physical workload of 30% or greater VO2Max will slow down reaction time post physical work period, and (4) time-of-nap is not as important as the duration of the nap. Management of sleep (nap) is recommended in redefining the limits of human endurance in any SUSOP.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA191794
Entities
People
- Carl E. Englund
- David H. Ryman
- Paul Naitoh
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center