Tait Jamie L, Aisbett Brad, Corrigan Sean L, Drain Jace R, Main Luana C
Deakin University, Geelong, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Australia.
Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences.
Hum Factors. 2024 Feb;66(2):389-403. doi: 10.1177/00187208221086686. Epub 2022 May 12.
This project aimed to assess the impact of an 8-day military training exercise on cognitive performance, and track its recovery in periods of reduced training load and partially restored sleep.
Military personnel often work in challenging multi-stressor environments, where sleep loss is inevitable. Sleep loss can impair multiple cognitive domains, which can have disastrous consequences in military contexts.
A total of 57 male and female soldiers undergoing the Australian Army combat engineer Initial Employment Training course were recruited and tracked over a 16-day study period which included an 8-day field-based military training exercise. Cognitive performance was assessed via a computerised battery at seven time points across four sequential study periods; 1) baseline (PRE), 2) military field training exercise which included total sleep deprivation (EX-FIELD), 3) training exercise at simulated base with restricted sleep opportunities (EX-BASE), and 4) a 3-day recovery period (REC). Subjective load, fatigue, and sleep were evaluated continuously via questionnaire and actigraphy.
Psychomotor speed, reaction time, visual tracking and vigilance were impaired following the EX-FIELD period ( < 0.05). The majority of affected measures recovered 2 days following EX-FIELD, being no different in EX-BASE compared to PRE.
The sensitivity of the cognitive tests to sleep restriction, and recovery, indicates they can help assess operational readiness in military personnel. Future studies should explore other indicators of, and strategies to preserve, operational readiness in military personnel.
This study highlights the impact of work-induced fatigue on cognitive performance, and would interest authorities seeking to preserve operational readiness.
本项目旨在评估为期8天的军事训练演习对认知表现的影响，并追踪其在训练负荷降低和睡眠部分恢复期间的恢复情况。
军事人员经常在具有挑战性的多压力环境中工作，睡眠不足在所难免。睡眠不足会损害多个认知领域，这在军事环境中可能会产生灾难性后果。
招募了57名正在接受澳大利亚陆军战斗工程师初始就业培训课程的男女士兵，并在为期16天的研究期内对其进行跟踪，该研究期包括为期8天的野外军事训练演习。在四个连续研究阶段的七个时间点通过计算机化测试组评估认知表现；1）基线（PRE），2）包括完全睡眠剥夺的军事野外训练演习（EX-FIELD），3）在模拟基地进行的睡眠机会受限的训练演习（EX-BASE），以及4）为期3天的恢复期（REC）。通过问卷和活动记录仪持续评估主观负荷、疲劳和睡眠情况。
EX-FIELD阶段后，心理运动速度、反应时间、视觉追踪和警觉性均受到损害（<0.05）。大多数受影响的指标在EX-FIELD阶段后2天恢复，EX-BASE阶段与PRE阶段相比无差异。
认知测试对睡眠限制和恢复的敏感性表明，它们有助于评估军事人员的作战准备状态。未来的研究应探索军事人员作战准备状态的其他指标和保持策略。
本研究强调了工作引起的疲劳对认知表现的影响，可能会引起寻求保持作战准备状态的当局的兴趣。
