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In last years, the insurgency attacks on task forces bases and checkpoints have been common. The study of psychophysiological response of soldiers in these asymmetrical and non-controlled situations remains a challenge. The present research aimed to analyze the psychophysiological response and the variations in specific fine motor skill after a checkpoint simulation which included surveillance, unexpected attacks, and melee combat. Psychophysiological parameters –heart rate, blood glucose, pressure, oxygen saturation, and lactate, legs´ strength, skin temperature, cortical activation, anxiety-, as well as fine motor skills were analyzed in a sample of 24 professional Spanish Army soldiers (35.67 ± 6.62 years, 177.21 ± 7.37 cm, 82.29 ± 11.02 kg, 26.17 ± 2.82 BMI, 15.25 ± 7.44 years of experience in their unit) before and after a checkpoint simulation. The checkpoint surveillance operation produced a significant increase (p < 0.05) in rated perceived exertion, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, legs´ strength and somatic anxiety, and a significant decrease in blood oxygen saturation and skin temperature values. We concluded that results were consistent with an activation of sympathetic nervous system, triggering a fight-flight response, a chain of intense psychophysiological reactions and a misinterpretation of perceived exertion. Results may help predicting soldiers´ physical and operative behavior in real situations. ; En los últimos años, los ataques de insurgencia en las bases de los grupos de trabajo y los puntos de control han sido comunes. El estudio de la respuesta psicofisiológica de los soldados en estas situaciones asimétricas y no controladas sigue siendo un desafío. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar la respuesta psicofisiológica y las variaciones en las habilidades motoras finas específicas después de una simulación de punto de control que incluía vigilancia, ataques inesperados y combate cuerpo a cuerpo. Parámetros psicofisiológicos: ritmo cardíaco, glucemia, presión, saturación de oxígeno y lactato, fuerza de las piernas, temperatura de la piel, activación cortical, ansiedad, así como habilidades motoras finas, se analizaron en una muestra de 24 soldados profesionales del Ejército Español (35.67 ± 6.62 años, 177.21 ± 7.37 cm, 82.29 ± 11.02 kg, 26.17 ± 2.82 IMC, 15.25 ± 7.44 años de experiencia en su unidad) antes y después de una simulación de punto de control. La operación de vigilancia del punto de control produjo un aumento significativo (p <0.05) en el esfuerzo percibido, la frecuencia cardíaca, la concentración de lactato en la sangre, la fuerza de las piernas y la ansiedad somática, y una disminución significativa en la saturación de oxígeno en la sangre y los valores de temperatura de la piel. Concluimos que los resultados fueron consistentes con una activación del sistema nervioso simpático, desencadenando una respuesta de lucha-huida, una cadena de reacciones psicofisiológicas intensas y una mala interpretación del esfuerzo percibido. Los resultados pueden ayudar a predecir el comportamiento físico y operativo de los soldados en situaciones reales.

Soldiers´ training and experience can influence the outcome of military missions, as well as soldiers physical integrity. The aim of this research was to analyze the psychophysiological and specific fine motor skills response of elite and non-elite soldiers in a combat simulation according to current conflict deployment zones. Rates of perceived exertion, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood lactate, hand and leg strength, cortical arousal, anxiety, autonomic modulation and fine motor skills were analyzed in 20 Elite (EG) and 24 non-elite (NEG) soldiers of the Spanish Army, before and immediately after a close quarter combat in an asymmetrical combat maneuver. As a consequence of the maneuver, elite soldiers presented a higher metabolic, cardiovascular and anxiogenic response than non-elite soldiers, as well as an anticipatory anxiety response, showed in the increased sympathetic modulation. Non-elite soldiers improved their fine motor skills after the combat maneuver (−8.34% Vs −11.23% of change in gun reloading time of Elite Group and Non-Elite Group). Finally, experience in international-armed conflicts disposes soldiers toward better self-confidence when facing risk maneuvers (p = .001).

Actual theaters of operations require fast actions from special operations units with a high level of readiness and survival. Mission accomplishment depends on their psychological and physiological performance. The aim of the present study was to analyze: (1) the physical parameters related with success in a special operation selection course; and (2) the modifications of the psychological profile of recruits before and after a special operation selection course. Fifty-five male soldiers of the Spanish Army (25.1 ± 5.0 years, 1.8 ± 0.1 cm, 76.8 ± 7.9 kg, 24.4 ± 2.5 kg/m2) undertaking a 10-week special operation selection course performed a battery of physiological and psychological tests. Results showed how successful soldiers presented higher leg strength, anaerobic running performance, and cardiovascular response than non-successful soldiers. The psychological values of life engagement test, acceptance and action questionnaire, coping flexibility scale, and perceived stress scale did not present significant differences after the selection course. We can conclude that success in a special operation selection course was related to higher anaerobic and cardiovascular fitness. This special operation selection course did not modify the psychological profile of successful soldiers. ; Sin financiación ; 3.367 JCR (2019) Q1, 20/81 Physiology ; 1.211 SJR (2019) Q2, 52/186 Physiology, 31/107 Physiology (medical) ; No data IDR 2019 ; UEM

Actual theaters of operations require fast actions from special operations units with a high level of readiness and survival. Mission accomplishment depends on their psychological and physiological performance. The aim of the present study was to analyze: (1) the physical parameters related with success in a special operation selection course; and (2) the modifications of the psychological profile of recruits before and after a special operation selection course. Fifty-five male soldiers of the Spanish Army (25.1 ± 5.0 years, 1.8 ± 0.1 cm, 76.8 ± 7.9 kg, 24.4 ± 2.5 kg/m2) undertaking a 10-week special operation selection course performed a battery of physiological and psychological tests. Results showed how successful soldiers presented higher leg strength, anaerobic running performance, and cardiovascular response than non-successful soldiers. The psychological values of life engagement test, acceptance and action questionnaire, coping flexibility scale, and perceived stress scale did not present significant differences after the selection course. We can conclude that success in a special operation selection course was related to higher anaerobic and cardiovascular fitness. This special operation selection course did not modify the psychological profile of successful soldiers. ; Universidad Europea de Madrid, Universidad de la Costa.

Soldiers´ training and experience can influence the outcome of the missions, as well as their own physical integrity. The objective of this research was to analyze the psycho-physiological response and specific motor skills in an urban combat simulation with two units of infantry with different training and experience. Material and Methods: psychophysiological parameters –Heart Rate, blood oxygen saturation, glucose and blood lactate, cortical activation, anxiety and heart rate variability-, as well as fine motor skills were analyzed in 31 male soldiers of the Spanish Army, 19 belonging to the Light Infantry Brigade, and 12 to the Heavy Forces Infantry Brigade, before and after an urban combat simulation. Results and Conclusion: A combat simulation provokes an alteration of the psycho-physiological basal state in soldiers and a great unbalance in the sympathetic-vagal interaction. The specific training of Light Infantry unit involves lower metabolic, cardiovascular, and anxiogenic response not only previous, but mainly after a combat maneuver, than Heavy Infantry unit's. No differences were found in relation with fine motor skills, improving in both cases after the maneuver. This fact should be taken into account for betterment units´ deployment preparation in current theaters of operations.

Different extreme contexts elicit a stress response on human body, specifically on combat produces an increase of sympathetic nervous system and a direct effect on the organic response. This research aimed to study the psychophysiological response of an air security force in a simulated air accident in a hostile area and its subsequent subterfuge to a safe area. We analyzed 13 soldiers (32.4 ± 8.0 years) from an air security force unit of the Spanish Air Force who were divided into three teams to conduct the manoeuvre. We analyzed before and after the manoeuvre psychological well-being scale, personal views survey, recovery-stress questionnaire (REST-52 Sport); heart rate variability, visual analogue scale, rated of perceived exertion, spirometry, hydration and hand strength were analyzed during the four days of the manoeuvre: This produced a significantly (p < .05) increase in sympathetic modulation, hand strength, dehydration status, general and specific stress from RESTQ-52. With this data we can conclude that an air accident manoeuvre of three nights and four days causes in the air mobile protection team a high sympathetic nervous system modulation, increases on muscle strength manifestations and stress and a dehydration status.

(1) Background. Military personel could be defined as "Tactical Athletes". However, experimental evidence about the effects of new HIIT trainings in comparison with traditional training schedules is lacking. The aim of this study was to experimentally analyze the modifications on psycho-physiological and performance response of soldiers after completing experimental integral operative training. (2) Methods. A total of 43 male subjects of a special unit force of the Spanish armed forces were randomly selected and assigned into the experimental and control groups assessed after training and after deploying in a real operation area. The experimental group underwent an integral operative pre-mission 6-week training (IOT), and the control group, the 6-week traditional training. (3) Results. HIIT-based integral operative training significantly improved combat performance (melee combat score) and the psychophysiological stress response, as measured by heart rate variability indexes. (4) Conclusion. This study provides experimental evidence supporting a new integral operative effective for improved autonomic regulation, reduced perceived stress, melee and close-quarter combat techniques, in addition to aerobic and anaerobic performance and lower body strength in comparison with the traditional training.

(1) Background. Military personel could be defined as "Tactical Athletes". However, xperimental evidence about the effects of new HIIT trainings in comparison with traditional training schedules is lacking. The aim of this study was to experimentally analyze the modifications on psycho-physiological and performance response of soldiers after completing experimental integral operative training. (2) Methods. A total of 43 male subjects of a special unit force of the Spanish armed forces were randomly selected and assigned into the experimental and control groups assessed after training and after deploying in a real operation area. The experimental group underwent an integral operative pre-mission 6-week training (IOT), and the control group, the 6-week traditional training. (3) Results. HIIT-based integral operative training significantly improved combat performance (melee combat score) and the psychophysiological stress response, as measured by heart rate variability indexes. (4) Conclusion. This study provides experimental evidence supporting a new integral operative effective for improved autonomic regulation, reduced perceived stress, melee and close-quarter combat techniques, in addition to aerobic and anaerobic performance and lower body strength in comparison with the traditional training.

The study of the effect of stress on both combatants physiological and anatomical systems have been poor studied in the specific literature. The present research aimed to study the effect of combat stress in strength manifestations of leg flexor-extensor muscles and the anaerobic metabolism of soldiers. Before and after asymmetrical combat simulation were analyzed parameters of blood lactate concentration, explosive leg strength manifestation and contractile capacity of leg muscle in 186 professional soldiers. Results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in blood lactate values (2.23 ± 0.95 vs 7.47 ± 3.67 mmol/L), explosive leg strength (Squat Jump 0.31 ± 0.06 vs 0.35 ± 0.07 m, Countermovement Jump 0.33 ± 0.07 vs 0.36 ± 0.07 m, Abalakov Jump 0.39 ± 0.08 vs 0.41 ± 0.09 m), and a significant decrease of the elastic capacity (0.022 ± 0.04 vs 0.021 ± 0.04) and recruitment and muscle synchronization capability (0.028 ± 0.04 vs 0.026 ± 0.04). This data suggest that combat stress increases the leg strength manifestation despite the significantly increase of muscle acidosis after a combat simulation. This result is probably due to the high activation of the fight-flight system of soldiers which increases the organic response of soldiers and that can compensate the prejudicial effect of acidosis in muscle contraction. These results could be used by officers to improve specific training programs and to improve planning and election of equipment and material for the development of different missions in current theaters of operations.

Background. Military personel could be defined as 'Tactical Athletes'. However, experimental evidence about the effects of new HIIT trainings in comparison with traditional training schedules is lacking. The aim of this study was to experimentally analyze the modifications on psychophysiological and performance response of soldiers after completing experimental integral operative training. Methods. A total of 43 male subjects of a special unit force of the Spanish armed forces were randomly selected and assigned into the experimental and control groups assessed after training and after deploying in a real operation area. The experimental group underwent an integral operative pre-mission 6-week training (IOT), and the control group, the 6-week traditional training. Results. HIIT-based integral operative training significantly improved combat performance (melee combat score) and the psychophysiological stress response, as measured by heart rate variability indexes. (4) Conclusion. This study provides experimental evidence supporting a new integral operative effective for improved autonomic regulation, reduced perceived stress, melee and close-quarter combat techniques, in addition to aerobic and anaerobic performance and lower body strength in comparison with the traditional training. ; Funded by the 'European Union—NextGeneration EU' through the Grants for the requalification of the Spanish University System for 2021–2023 at the Public University of Navarra (Resolution 1402/2021).

This study aims to analyze the psychophysiological stress response of a helicopter crew using portable biosensors, and to analyze the psychophysiological stress response differences of experienced and non-experienced crew members. We analyzed 27 participants (33.89 ± 5.93 years) divided into two different flight maneuvers: a crane rescue maneuver: 15 participants (three control and 12 military) and a low-altitude maneuver: 12 participants (five control and seven military). Anxiety, rating of perceived exertion, subjective perception of stress, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, skin temperature, blood lactate, cortical arousal, autonomic modulation, leg and hand strength, leg flexibility, spirometry, urine, and short-term memory were analyzed before and after both helicopter flight maneuvers. The maneuvers produced a significant increase in stress and effort perception, state of anxiety, and sympathetic modulation, as well as a significant decrease in heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, leg and inspiratory muscle strength, and urine proteins. The use of biosensors showed how a crane rescue and low-altitude helicopter maneuvers produced an anticipatory anxiety response, showing an increased sympathetic autonomic modulation prior to the maneuvers, which was maintained during the maneuvers in both experienced and non-experienced participants. The crane rescue maneuver produced a higher maximal heart rate and decreased pulmonary capacity and strength than the low-altitude maneuver. The psychophysiological stress response was higher in the experienced than in non-experienced participants, but both presented an anticipatory stress response before the maneuver.

This study aims to analyze the psychophysiological stress response of a helicopter crew using portable biosensors, and to analyze the psychophysiological stress response differences of experienced and non-experienced crew members. We analyzed 27 participants (33.89 ± 5.93 years) divided into two different flight maneuvers: a crane rescue maneuver: 15 participants (three control and 12 military) and a low-altitude maneuver: 12 participants (five control and seven military). Anxiety, rating of perceived exertion, subjective perception of stress, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, skin temperature, blood lactate, cortical arousal, autonomic modulation, leg and hand strength, leg flexibility, spirometry, urine, and short-term memory were analyzed before and after both helicopter flight maneuvers. The maneuvers produced a significant increase in stress and effort perception, state of anxiety, and sympathetic modulation, as well as a significant decrease in heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, leg and inspiratory muscle strength, and urine proteins. The use of biosensors showed how a crane rescue and low-altitude helicopter maneuvers produced an anticipatory anxiety response, showing an increased sympathetic autonomic modulation prior to the maneuvers, which was maintained during the maneuvers in both experienced and non-experienced participants. The crane rescue maneuver produced a higher maximal heart rate and decreased pulmonary capacity and strength than the low-altitude maneuver. The psychophysiological stress response was higher in the experienced than in non-experienced participants, but both presented an anticipatory stress response before the maneuver. ; Sin financiación ; 3.576 JCR (2020) Q2, 26/87 Chemistry, Analytical ; 0.636 SJR (2020) Q2, 46/121 Analytical Chemistry ; No data IDR 2020 ; UEM

The present research aimed to analyze the effect of experience and psychophysiological modification by combat stress in soldier's memory in a simulated combat situation. Variables of rate of perceived exertion, blood glucose, blood lactate, lower body muscular strength manifestation, cortical arousal, specific fine motor skills, autonomic modulation, state anxiety, and memory and attention through a postmission questionnaire were analyzed before and after a combat simulation in 15 experienced soldiers of a special operation unit and 20 non-experienced soldiers of light infantry unit from the Spanish Army. The stress of combat simulation produces a significant increase (p < 0.05) in rated perceived exertion, blood glucose, blood lactate, somatic anxiety and a low frequency domain of the heart rate, and a significant decrease of rifle magazine reload time, high frequency domain of the heart rate and somatic anxiety in both groups. The variables of RPE, glucose, CFFT, RMRT, RMSSD, LF/HF, CA, SA and STAI were significantly different in experienced soldiers shown the activation of fight-flight system. The anticipatory anxiety in experienced soldiers shows a cognitive behavioral association by past experiences. The analysis of correct response in the postmission questionnaire show elements more related with the sight and that endanger the physical integrity of soldiers are more remembered, and some significant differences (p < 0.05) in the memory performance of experienced soldiers and non experienced soldiers where experienced soldiers shown a better performance. As conclusion, combat stress produce an increase in the psichophysiological response of soldiers independently of experience, but experienced ones presented a lower negative effect on memory than non experienced. ; La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar el efecto de la experiencia y la modificación psicofisiológica por el estrés de combate en Memoria del soldado en una situación de combate simulada. Variables de la tasa de esfuerzo percibido, glucemia, lactato sanguíneo, menor manifestación de la fuerza muscular del cuerpo, excitación cortical, habilidades motoras finas específicas, modulación autonómica, ansiedad de estado y La memoria y la atención a través de un cuestionario de postmisión se analizaron antes y después de una simulación de combate en 15 Soldados de una unidad de operación especial y 20 soldados no experimentados de la unidad de infantería ligera del ejército español. El estres de La simulación de combate produce un aumento significativo (p <0.05) en el esfuerzo percibido nominal, la glucosa en sangre, el lactato en sangre, la somática ansiedad y un dominio de baja frecuencia de la frecuencia cardíaca, y una disminución significativa del tiempo de recarga del cargador del rifle, alta frecuencia Dominio de la frecuencia cardíaca y ansiedad somática en ambos grupos. Las variables de RPE, glucosa, CFFT, RMRT, RMSSD, LF / HF, CA, SA y STAI fueron significativamente diferentes en soldados experimentados que mostraron la activación del sistema de lucha de vuelo. El anticipatorio La ansiedad en soldados experimentados muestra una asociación cognitiva conductual por experiencias pasadas. El análisis de la respuesta correcta en El cuestionario de envío muestra elementos más relacionados con la vista y que ponen en peligro la integridad física de los soldados. más recordado, y algunas diferencias significativas (p <0.05) en el rendimiento de la memoria de soldados con experiencia y no Soldados experimentados donde los soldados experimentados mostraron un mejor desempeño. Como conclusión, el estrés del combate produce un aumento. en la respuesta psicofisiológica de los soldados independientemente de la experiencia, pero los experimentados presentaron una menor negativa Efecto sobre la memoria que el no experimentado.

Hypoxia remains the most important hazard in high altitude flights as it is a rare condition presenting itself without consistent symptoms that prevent aircrew from warning in advance. An acute ventilatory response is the mechanism that works to get back oxygen concentration homeostasis, causing hypocapnia and a respiratory alkalosis, which causes breathing muscles fatigue. Some authors have identified previous training on hypoxia contexts as essential to avoid accidents but it is still poor know the effect of hypoxia exposition in the psychophysiological and cognitive functions. We proposed the present study with the aims of to study the effect of hypoxia training in cortical arousal, autonomic modulation and muscle strength. We analysed 3 male fight pilots of the Spanish Army before and after normobaric hypoxia training. The following variables were reported: subjective perceived stress (SPS), rated perceived exertion (RPE), cortical arousal (Critical Flicker Fusion Threshold (CFFT)), isometric handgrip strength, blood oxygen saturation (SaO2 ), heart rate (HR) and spirometry values (forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ), peak expiratory flow (PEF)). The effect size (ES) was tested by Cohen's D. No variable presented significant differences between tests. SPS, RPE, handgrip strength, heart rate and FVC increased after training. FEV1 , PEF, CFFT and SaO2 decreased during the training. These results agreed with previous research in military population. Normobaric hypoxia training produces a decreased tendency in cortical arousal and an increase in perceived effort, stress, and increased tendency in muscular strength. These results can help to find specific training for better prepare fight pilots for hypoxic threats. ; La hipoxia es el peligro más importante en los vuelos a gran altitud, debido a que es un estado poco frecuente y se presenta sin síntomas consistentes que impiden una alerta temprana. Una respuesta ventilatoria aguda es el mecanismo que trabaja para recuperar la homeostasis de la concentración de oxígeno, causando hipocapnia y una alcalosis respiratoria, provocando fatiga en los músculos respiratorios. Algunos autores han identificado que el entrenamiento previo en contextos de hipoxia es esencial para evitar accidentes pero todavía es pobre el conocimiento existente sobre el efecto de la exposición a hipoxia en las funciones psicofisiológicas y cognitivas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar el efecto del entrenamiento en hipoxia en la activación cortical, la modulación autonómica y la fuerza muscular. Analizamos 3 pilotos de caza del Ejército del Aire antes y después del entrenamiento de hipoxia normobárica. Se registraron las siguientes variables: estrés subjetivo percibido (RPE), esfuerzo percibido (RPE), excitación cortical (Critical Flicker Fusion Threshold (CFFT)), fuerza isométrica de agarre, saturación de oxígeno en sangre (SaO2 ), frecuencia cardíaca (FC) y espirometría (capacidad vital forzada (CVF), volumen espiratorio forzado en 1 segundo (FEV1 ), flujo espiratorio máximo (PEF)). El efecto de muestra fue analizado mediante la D de Cohen. Ninguna variable presentó diferencias significativas entre los tests. SPS, RPE, fuerza isométrica, frecuencia cardiaca y FVC aumentaron con el entrenamiento. FEV1 , PEF, CFFT y SaO2 disminuyeron con el entrenamiento. Estos resultados coincidieron con investigaciones previas en población militar. El entrenamiento de hipoxia normobárica produce una tendencia disminuida en la excitación cortical y un aumento en el esfuerzo percibido, el estrés y la tendencia creciente en la fuerza muscular. Estos resultados pueden ayudar a encontrar entrenamiento específico para preparar mejor a los pilotos de caza ante la hipoxia.

Objective: The present research aimed to analyse the autonomic, anxiety, perceived exertion, and self-confidence response during real and simulated flights. Methods: This cross-sectional study participated 12 experienced male pilots (age = 33.08 (5.21)) from the Spanish Air Force. Participants had to complete a real and a simulated flight mission randomly. The heart rate variability (HRV), anxiety, self-confidence, and rating of perceived exertion were collected before and after both manoeuvres, and HRV was also collected during both simulated and real flights. Results: When studying the acute effects of real and simulated flights, the mean heart rate, the R-to-R interval, the cognitive anxiety and the perceived exertion were significantly impacted only by real flights. Furthermore, significant differences in the mean heart rate and RR interval were found when compared to the acute effects of real and simulated flights (with higher acute effects observed in real flights). Additionally, when compared the HRV values during simulated and real flights, significant differences were observed in the RR and heart rate mean (with lower RR interval and higher heart rate mean observed during real flights). Conclusion: Real flights significantly reduced the RR interval and cognitive anxiety while increased the heart rate mean and the rating of perceived exertion, whereas simulated flights did not induce any significant change in the autonomic modulation.