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Accession Number:
ADA191794
Title:
Sustained Operations: Research Results
Descriptive Note:
Interim rept.
Corporate Author:
NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER SAN DIEGO CA
Report Date:
1987-06-01
Pagination or Media Count:
73.0
Abstract:
The effects of a laboratory simulated reconnaissance operation on behavioral and physiological performance were assessed in seven separate sustained operations SUSOP studies involving Marine Corps volunteers. The scenario of this week-long SUSOP involved two 20-hr continuous work episodes with a break period of 3 to 4 hours of sleep or rest. One half of the volunteer subjects experienced 30-40 VO2Max physical work load by walking on a motor- driven treadmill. All subjects performed psychological cognitive tasks. The immediate goal of these seven studies was to obtain an estimate of the performance recuperative power of a nap of 3 to 4 duration. Their long-term goal was to define the limits of human endurance in a SUSOP conducted under hostile environments. The results suggested that 1 starting time of a mission should be chosen to avoid extending a continuous work period into early morning hours of circadian trough, 2 a 3-4 hour nap is not long enough to allow recovery from fatigue of a 20-hour continuous work episode to maintain baseline level of performance during successive continuous work episodes, 3 a physical workload of 30 or greater VO2Max will slow down reaction time post physical work period, and 4 time-of-nap is not as important as the duration of the nap. Management of sleep nap is recommended in redefining the limits of human endurance in any SUSOP.
Distribution Statement:
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
