The Physiological and Cognitive Performance of Fully Acclimatised Soldiers Conducting Routine Patrol and Reconnaissance Operations in the Tropics.
Abstract
The physiological and cognitive performance of soldiers undertaking routine patrol and reconnaissance activities in the tropics have been investigated. During both patrol and reconnaissance the soldiers experienced a degree of heat strain which did not reach levels considered hazardous by OH&S practitioners. There was no evidence of significant deterioration in soldier cognitive performance during the trial. Peak metabolic rates for individual soldiers during patrol were high, even though the weight of equipment carried was modest and the terrain not severe. In general, the soldiers were aware of the risks of dehydration and maintained adequate hydration levels during the trial. The IR tympanic temperature technique shows considerable promise as a surrogate measure of core temperature under the trial conditions. The study showed weak correlations between rectal temperature and insulated skin temperatures. The energy expenditure model coded into the CAEN battle simulation has been validated in a field environment by the use of GPS, heart rate and oxygen consumption data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA322113
Entities
People
- D. Amos
- J. Michalski
- R. D. Hansen
- V. J. Demckuk
- W. M. Lau
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group