Accession Number:

ADA551468

Title:

Cognitive Performance and Physiological Changes under Heavy Load Carriage

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept.

Corporate Author:

PACIFIC SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING GROUP INC SAN DIEGO CA

Personal Author(s):

• Kobus, David A.
• Brown, Christine M.
• Wu, Linda
• Robusto, Kristi
• Bartlett, Jamie

Report Date:

2010-07-01

Pagination or Media Count:

58.0

Abstract:

This study was designed to examine the relationship between load carriage, cognitive performance, and perceived workload. Participants carried equipment typically worn in combat, walked on a treadmill simulating a dismounted patrol for two hours, and concurrently performed a series of cognitive tasks similar to those required in combat e.g., detection, recognition, working spatial memory, and communication. All participants completed three two-hour sessions wearing a 0, 98 or 135 lb combat load. Physiology kcals highly correlated r 68, p .01 with subjective rating of strenuousness. Results show that infantrymen can maintain a high level of physical performance over time but at a cost to cognitive performance p .05. In addition, and potentially of great operational significance, is that after removing the 135 lb weight and resting for 5 minutes, cognitive performance did not return to baseline levels. Potential mitigations and implications of these results will be discussed.

Descriptors:

• *INFANTRY
• *LOADS(FORCES)
• *STRESS(PHYSIOLOGY)
• COGNITION
• MILITARY PERSONNEL
• PATROLLING
• PERFORMANCE(HUMAN)
• PHYSIOLOGY
• RECOGNITION
• SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
• WARFARE
• WEAR

Subject Categories:

• Psychology
• Stress Physiology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE