Diagnostic Methods for Predicting Performance Impairment Associated With Combat Stress
Abstract
This report reviews the first year of research on the diagnostic utility of psychophysiological indices that may predict the current and future functional efficiency of the soldier. The research focuses especially on the measurement of cerebral bloodflow using transcranial doppler sonography, together with additional indices including salivary cortisol and subjective stress state. Two studies, with one ongoing, have been conducted at the University of Cincinnati. The first study investigated cerebral bloodflow during a vigilance task requiring detection of an absent stimulus element, a task relevant to military surveillance. The second study developed a simulator method for investigating attention to hazards during vehicle driving, and demonstrated that subjective measures correlate with performance. The third study compares cerebral bloodflow, salivary cortisol and subjective states as diagnostic predictors of sensory vigilance. Preliminary results confirm reliable measurement of individual differences in bloodflow, but suggest that the bloodflow-performance association may be sensitive to moderator factors. Pilot work at Georgia State University has developed and validated a shoot/don't shoot' rifle marksmanship task and a test battery for assessment of individual differences in attentional functioning for use in subsequent studies. Implications of work completed for the future progress of the research are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA430538
Entities
People
- David Washburn
- Gerald Matthews
- Joel S. Warm
Organizations
- University of Cincinnati