Physiological Performance of Soldiers Conducting Long Range Surveillance and Reconnaissance in Hot, Dry Environments.
Abstract
A study was conducted to investigate the physiological performance of soldiers undertaking long range reconnaissance and surveillance activities in the Pilbara region, WA. The results indicated that soldiers experienced very low levels of heat strain during the transport and the setting up of the observation post phases. The heat strain increased to moderate levels while the subjects were conducting a route march in the afternoon. None of the thermal strain indicators (mean core temperature, average heart rate and average area weighted mean skin temperature) exceeded the level considered to indicate moderate heat strain by most civilian OH&S practitioners. The work load on the route march was approximately 50% of the peak metabolic rate, suggesting that this activity was sustainable provided that the environmental heat stress remained moderate. The sweating rate of the soldiers was generally low, with over 90% of the fluid loss attributable to evaporative cooling. There was also evidence that some soldiers experienced hypohydration while one subject appeared hyperhydrated. Based on the outcomes of the Soldier Combat Systems Enhancement Studies and the guidance from DOHSMAN, it is recommended that soldiers undertaking arduous activities should have a minimum fluid intake of 1.5 L.h-1 and that an hourly cycle of 30 min work/30 min rest should be introduced if the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reaches or exceeds 280C. Caution must be exercised in interpreting the results as the weather conditions at the time of the study were influenced by a low pressure system. Consequently, the study was carried out under conditions far less stressful than normally experienced in this region. It is recommended that a repeat of the study is necessary to ascertain the true levels of heat strain soldiers would experience under typical hot and climatic conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA372886
Entities
People
- Chris Forbes-ewan
- Wai-man Lau
- Warren Roberts
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group