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Psychophysiological and Specific Fine Motor Skill Modifications in a Checkpoint Action

  • Education & Training
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Abstract

In last years, the insurgency attacks on task forces bases and checkpoints have been common. The study of psychophysiological response of soldiers in these asymmetrical and non-controlled situations remains a challenge. The present research aimed to analyze the psychophysiological response and the variations in specific fine motor skill after a checkpoint simulation which included surveillance, unexpected attacks, and melee combat. Psychophysiological parameters –heart rate, blood glucose, pressure, oxygen saturation, and lactate, legs´ strength, skin temperature, cortical activation, anxiety-, as well as fine motor skills were analyzed in a sample of 24 professional Spanish Army soldiers (35.67 ± 6.62 years, 177.21 ± 7.37 cm, 82.29 ± 11.02 kg, 26.17 ± 2.82 BMI, 15.25 ± 7.44 years of experience in their unit) before and after a checkpoint simulation. The checkpoint surveillance operation produced a significant increase (p < 0.05) in rated perceived exertion, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, legs´ strength and somatic anxiety, and a significant decrease in blood oxygen saturation and skin temperature values. We concluded that results were consistent with an activation of sympathetic nervous system, triggering a fight-flight response, a chain of intense psychophysiological reactions and a misinterpretation of perceived exertion. Results may help predicting soldiers´ physical and operative behavior in real situations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo street, s/n, 28670, Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain

    Joaquín Sánchez-Molina & Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez

  2. Studies Centre in Applied Combat (CESCA), Toledo, Spain

    José J. Robles-Pérez & Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez

  3. Light Forces Head Quarter of the Spanish Army, Madrid, Spain

    José J. Robles-Pérez

  4. Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla, Colombia

    Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez

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  1. Joaquín Sánchez-Molina
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  2. José J. Robles-Pérez
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  3. Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
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Correspondence to Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez.

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Sánchez-Molina, J., Robles-Pérez, J.J. & Clemente-Suárez, V.J. Psychophysiological and Specific Fine Motor Skill Modifications in a Checkpoint Action. J Med Syst 43, 90 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-019-1216-6

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