Escape from a Diving Submarine Simulator: Impacts of Mindfulness Differences on Physio-Biological Responses and Cognitive Performances
Abstract
Introduction: As mindfulness is considered as a predictor of day-to-day self-regulated behavior and adaptability to stressful events, the present study investigated the psychophysiological and cognitive responses induced by a military training for escaping to a submarine simulator according to the submariners' mindfulness level. Methods: Sympathovagal balance, salivary cortisol, mindfulness level, mood and sleep perception as assessed by questionnaires, and short-term and declarative memory were assessed in submariners on shore and at sea before the escape (Baseline), immediately after the escape (Escape) and two hours after it (Recovery). Results: Compared to the simulation exercise, the naturalistic condition induced (i) higher degradations in mood, including vigor (p<0.05), tension (p<.05), and easiness to go to sleep (p<0.05), (ii) higher salivary cortisol values (6.33 + or - 3.9 nmol/L on shore and 13.38 + or - 7.5 nmol/L at sea, p<0.05), and (iii) impairment in the declarative memory (9.3 + or - 1.4 free recalls for a maximum of 12 on shore and 7.5 + or - 2.4 at sea). On shore, responses differed according to the subject's past submarine accident, with lower vagal recovery (p<0.05), higher cortisol responses across the exercise time (p<0.05), and lower declarative memory performances after the escape (p<0.05). Submariners high in mindfulness score exhibited both lower stress reaction and lower cognitive degradation. Conclusion: Psychophysiological and cognitive changes induced by military exercises are influenced by realistic conditions and by subject's mindfulness level.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA567899
Entities
People
- Marion Trousselard