Characterising Psycho-Physiological Responses and Relationships during a Military Field Training Exercise

Sean Bulmer; Sean L Corrigan; Jace R Drain; Jamie L Tait; Brad Aisbett; Spencer Roberts; Paul B Gastin; Luana C Main

doi:10.3390/ijerph192214767

Characterising Psycho-Physiological Responses and Relationships during a Military Field Training Exercise

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Nov 10;19(22):14767. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192214767.

Authors

Sean Bulmer¹, Sean L Corrigan¹, Jace R Drain², Jamie L Tait³, Brad Aisbett³, Spencer Roberts¹, Paul B Gastin⁴, Luana C Main³

Affiliations

¹ Deakin University, Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia.
² Defence Science and Technology Group, Fisherman's Bend, Melbourne, VIC 3207, Australia.
³ Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia.
⁴ La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia.

Abstract

Over a 15-day period, that included an eight-day field trial, the aims of this study were to (1) quantify the physical workload, sleep and subjective well-being of soldiers in training; (2a) Explore relationships between workload and well-being, and (2b) sleep and well-being; (3) Explore relationships between workload, sleep, and well-being.

Methods: Sixty-two Combat Engineer trainees (59 male, 3 female; age: 25.2 ± 7.2 years) wore an ActiGraph GT9X to monitor daily energy expenditure, physical activity, and sleep. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE), sleep quality, and fatigue were measured daily, subjective well-being was reported days 1, 5, 9, 13 and 15. Multi-level models were used for the analysis.

Results: Well-being was affected by a combination of variables including workload, subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency. RPE and subjective sleep quality were consistently significant parameters within the models of best fit.

Conclusions: Perceptions of well-being were lower during the field training when physical workload increased, and sleep decreased. Energy expenditure was comparatively low, while daily sleep duration was consistent with field training literature. Subjective assessments of workload and sleep quality were consistently effective in explaining variations in well-being and represent an efficient approach to monitor training status of personnel.

Keywords: MTDS; army; energy expenditure; engineers; self-report; sleep deprivation.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Energy Metabolism
Exercise
Fatigue
Female
Humans
Male
Military Personnel*
Sleep / physiology
Young Adult

Grants and funding

This work was supported by a Human Performance Research Network grant from the Commonwealth of Australia represented by The Defence and Science Technology Group of the Department of Defence, and an internal research grant (HAtCH) from the Faculty of Health, Deakin University.