Subjective Symptomology and Postural Control During Simulation of a Survival Environmemt Aboard a Disabled Submarine
Abstract
Subjective symptoms and postural control were assessed in 7 submariners during 5 days exposure to a simulated disabled submarine environment (DISSUB) (4C, 2.5% carbon dioxide, 16.75% oxygen, 85% humidity). Daily morning symptoms were assessed using factor scores from the Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire. Postural instability was measured using an unstable platform balance system. Three 30-sec postural tests were performed a total of 4 times: preconditions, after 66 h and 114 h of exposure, and post conditions. Cold stress factor scores increased after 24 h, peaked at 48 h, and declined thereafter. Muscle discomfort score increased until 168 h and then declined. Postural instability increased after 66 h. This increase declined after 114 h and returned to baseline after conditions ended. Increased symptom severity occurred in conjunction with an impairment in postural stability, and normalcy was regained after cessation of experimental conditions. Impairment in postural control was most likely due to an effect on peripheral control mechanisms that were sensitive to cold exposure and not to central effects of high CO2 and/or low 02. The combination of cold, hypercaphia and hypoxia can result in disturbances in postural control such that submariners' performance on crucial tasks involving mobility and balance may be impaired.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA381408
Entities
People
- Allen Cymerman
- Andrew J Young
- Dan T. Ditzler
- Douglas D. Wray
- T. J. Francis
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine