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.
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.
