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.

Subject Categories:

  • Stress Physiology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE