Given the rigorous demands of aerial operations on the human body, this study aims to investigate the body composition differences among aircrew specialties, specifically between medical personnel and mechanics within the Air Force. By examining key body composition metrics such as fat mass, lean mass, and body water, the study seeks to uncover how these variables correlate with aircrew members' distinct occupational duties and overall health. Initial findings indicate subtle but significant body composition variations between groups, suggesting occupational roles may influence physical attributes. There were small differences in body composition between mechanics and medical personnel, primarily based on a greater body mass index, weight, body water, skeletal muscle mass, soft lean mass, and fat-free mass of the mechanics. Body composition analysis by segments suggest a better muscle activation during their duties, but worse nutrition habits in mechanics when compared to medical personnel. This underscores the importance of designing occupation-specific training and nutrition programs to optimize the health and operational performance of aircrew members across specialties.
Combat aircraft pilots operate in highly demanding environments where their expertise and psychophysiological responses impact performance. This study evaluated the acute psychophysiological effects of simulated and real combat flight maneuvers. Twelve Spanish Air Force fighter pilots (mean age = 33.08 ± 5.21 years) participated, averaging 13.25 ± 5.15 years of military service, including deployments in international missions. Various physiological and metabolic variables—isometric hand strength, lower body strength, pulmonary capacity, blood oxygen saturation, urinary hydration levels, cortisol, and blood lactate concentrations— were measured before and after both simulated and real combat flights. Results showed no statistically significant differences between real and simulated flights for most variables, including blood oxygen saturation, lactate, glucose, cortisol, urine color, and physical fitness indicators. However, glucose levels significantly decreased after simulated flights (p = 0.021), and horizontal jump performance improved post-real flights (p = 0.004). The similarity in physiological responses suggests that simulators effectively replicate real combat conditions, reinforcing their value as a safe, effective training tool. Simulators enhance pilot preparedness while minimizing exposure to combat risks. These findings contribute to aviation psychophysiology, improving training protocols and operational readiness for both military and civilian applications, ultimately optimizing pilot performance and safety in high-risk environments.
This study investigates the influence of experience on stress responses and fine motor skills among professional male military parachutists. We analyzed 132 paratroopers, divided into a non-experienced group (NEG; ≤6 parachute jumps) and an experienced group (EG; >50 jumps). Baseline samples were collected 2.5 hours before participants performed a 500 m jump, with post-jump evaluations conducted immediately after landing. Results indicated that experience significantly influences fine motor skills and stress responses. Non-experienced jumpers showed greater degradation in fine motor skills and higher cortical arousal pre-jump levels, suggesting an increased anticipatory state. In contrast, experienced parachutists maintained more consistent fine motor skills and exhibited a ceiling effect in stress response. Leg strength was higher in non-experienced jumpers, reflecting youth and greater muscle mass, with no significant difference in hand strength. These findings highlight the role of experience in managing stress and maintaining motor skills under pressure. The study suggests further exploration into psychological aspects like motivation and resilience, along with the long-term effects of stress exposure. The importance of experience in high-stress military operations emphasizes the need for targeted training interventions to enhance stress-coping mechanisms in less experienced individuals.
Background: This research aimed to analyze the effect of experience and professional role on psychophysiological stress response in underwater evacuation training. Methods: We analyzed 36 participants (39.06±9.01 years), divided into two different groups; 17 crew members (38.6±7.2 years) and 19 medical members (39.5±10.5 years). modifications in the rating of perceived exertion, subjective stress perception, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, cortical arousal, heart rate variability, spirometry, isometric hand strength, and short-term memory before and after underwater evacuation training were analyzed. Results: The maneuver produced a significant increase in SSP, RPE, IHS, FVC, and SatO2 at different moments of the intervention, being higher in crew members. Conclusions: We found that the underwater evacuation training produced an anticipatory anxiety response, and an increase in autonomous sympathetic nervous system modulation not affecting strength capacities, cortical arousal, and memory independently of the aircraft role (medical or crew).
Body composition has been associated with better performance in military populations. However, there is no consensus about the most suitable body composition values for army paratroopers. To analyze body composition differences among the type of specialty, age group, and gender of army paratroopers, for a better improvement of their operability. 104 paratroopers of the Spanish Army were analyzed. Anthropometric and morphological data were analysed throw an In-Body720. There was a significant effect of age on intracellular water. Older soldiers had lower values of intracellular water, protein, and skeletal muscle mass than middle-aged soldiers. No significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) for the effect of the kind of work and age together or taken separately. Men had significantly higher values than women for height, weight, extracellular water, protein, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass, and significantly lower values for the percentage of body fat, while no differences were found for body fat mass and body mass index. We conclude that paratroopers’ body composition depends on age in skeletal muscle mass, intracellular water, and protein. For better unit readiness, soldiers must be monitored to analyze the effect of training and nutrition habits on their body composition.
Background: The effect of stress on sympathetic modulation measured by HRV has been studied in various population groups exposed to different stressors. HRV measurement tools are based on the electrocardiogram (ECG), portable tools such as POLAR V800, and recently photoplethysmography (PPG). The aim of this study was to analyze the validity of a PPG mobile app to measure HRV with a validated V800 system in a tactical athlete population. Methods HRV of 53 professional militaries were analyzed by POLAR V800 and an HRV Camera app with a smartphone during 5 min and 30 s protocol respectively. Results: The HRV values obtained by the PPG presented a significant negative significant correlation in the HRVI index, LF, HF, LF (n.u.), HF (n.u.), and a positive significant correlation in TINN index by the Polar V800 system with the application of a regression equation over the data obtained. Conclusions: HRV Camera PPG App 30s record analysis protocol could be applied using a regression formula depending on the HRV variables after the comparison with a standard 5-minute test conducted with a validated Polar V800. In future research, it is suggested to validate PPG protocols with longer durations.
Shooting impairment may occur whereas there is either central or peripherical fatigue. However, the effects of different physical stressor stimuli on fine motor skills as shooting are yet not fully understood. The present research aimed to analyze the effect of endurance and resisted physical stressors on the psychophysiological response and pistol marksmanship of novel soldiers, and the possible differences in gender and BMI. Variables of heart rate, isometric hand strength, rate of perceived exertion, and pistol marksmanship were analyzed in 56 soldiers in endurance and resisted stress protocols. Isometric hand strength, heart rate, and RPE were significantly higher in both resisted and endurance physical stress protocols than in the basal sample. Gender differences were seen in strength, cardiovascular and RPE values. Also, subjects with larger BMI presented significantly higher isometric hand strength and higher marksmanship in all moments evaluated. We conclude that an endurance stress protocol produced a higher cardiovascular and perceived exertion than a resisted one, not affecting hand strength, shooting heart rate, and marksmanship. Females presented lower hand strength and marksmanship while higher rated of perceived exertion and heart rate during the endurance and resisted stress protocols than males. Overweight participants presented higher heart rates during both physical stress protocols, but higher hand strength and marksmanship while similar shooting heart rates than normal-weight participants.
Objective: To analyze the psychological impact of exposure to conflict zones on active-duty soldiers and to evaluate the role of physical activity as a mitigating factor against stress-related effects. Background: Combat exposure is associated with increased psychological stress, sleep disturbances, and reduced well-being among military personnel. Understanding modifiable protective factors like physical activity is crucial for improving resilience and mental health in operational settings. Method: A total of 261 male Colombian Army personnel participated in the study. Standardized psychological scales (STAI, LES, UCLA Loneliness Scale, AAQ-II, PSS-14) and custom questionnaires assessing sleep, happiness, and physical activity were used. Statistical analyses included t-tests and ANOVAs to examine group differences and correlations. Results: Soldiers exposed to traumatic events or prolonged time in red zones reported significantly lower sleep quality and happiness levels. Those engaging in more than 120 minutes of physical activity per day reported significantly lower perceived stress scores compared to less active peers. Conclusion: Exposure to conflict zones adversely affects psychological well-being, particularly in sleep quality and happiness. However, increased physical activity is associated with lower perceived stress, suggesting its protective role. Application: These findings support the integration of structured physical activity programs as a practical and scalable intervention to promote resilience and reduce stress among active- duty military personnel.
