The study aimed to investigate serum vaspin and chemerin changes in response to combat physical fitness tests in military forces. In a semi-experimental design with pretest and posttest, twenty volunteers were engaged to participate in the study. Combat Physical Fitness Test consisted: (1) 25-yard(yd) sprint to J-hook, to 25-yd crawl, and 25-yd run through cones to 75-yd line; split (2) 75-yd casualty drag; split (3) ammo can run to grenade toss (75-yd); (4) ammo can run to end (75-yd); and (5) 650-yard endurance run. Pre-test and the post-test blood sample was gained. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 24. Serum chemerin did not change significantly compared to the pre-test whereas Serum vaspin was significantly higher after the test (p = 0.018). Afterward, a direct correlation was observed between serum chemerin and serum vaspin (p = 0.034, r=0.335). It is suggested that serum vaspin is responsive to short-term maximal power output activity required in the combat fitness test and positively correlates with chemerin. However, it appears that 3 to 4 minutes of high-intensity exercise induce comparatively moderate post-exercise serum vaspin increment, which appears to be inadequate to stimulate chemerin secretion.
This narrative review examines psychotherapeutic interventions for combat soldiers who deal with post-traumatic distress and face a complex therapeutic setting where the relationships between clients and therapy providers are often conflictual. Despite available emotional aid, gaps between traumatized soldiers’ emotional needs and institutional solutions are inevitable and are challenging for clients and therapists alike. These issues are discussed through Israeli soldiers’ experiences, a population at high risk for trauma-related distress, due to this country’s ongoing security threats. Following a narrative literature review, four key themes emerged: mutual difficulties in admitting mental injury, intergenerational trauma, preserving the soldier identity upon discharge, and choosing among therapeutic opportunities. The study highlights the need and rationale for diverse biopsychosocial interventions for veterans and proposes considerations for enhancing treatment success. Results emphasize the importance of tailored approaches that address both individual and systemic factors affecting veterans’ mental health. Guidance for psychosocial interventions is provided, considering the multifaceted nature of combat-related trauma.
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.
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: 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).
