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Effects of high altitude and exercise on marksmanship
W J Tharion1, R W Hoyt, B E Marlowe
1U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA. 01760-5007.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Exercise and acute high altitude exposure negatively impact marksmanship accuracy. While initial altitude exposure reduced accuracy and sighting time, these returned to normal after acclimatization, though exercise continued to impair performance.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Sports Science
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Marksmanship performance is critical in various professions.
- Understanding the physiological impacts of environmental stressors like high altitude and physical exertion is essential for optimizing performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent and combined effects of exercise and high altitude exposure on marksmanship accuracy and sighting time in experienced marksmen.
Main Methods:
- 16 experienced marksmen performed dry-fire drills with a laser-based system at varying conditions.
- Conditions included sea level rest, immediate post-exercise ascent to high altitude (3,700-4,300 m), and rest at altitude (days 1-3 and 14-16).
- Marksmanship accuracy and sighting time were measured using a laser system targeting a 2.3-cm circle at 5 m.
Main Results:
- Exercise significantly reduced marksmanship accuracy (p<0.05) but did not affect sighting time.
- Acute exposure to high altitude also reduced marksmanship accuracy and decreased sighting time (p<0.05).
- Following acclimatization, resting marksmanship accuracy and sighting time returned to sea-level values.
Conclusions:
- Both exercise and acute high altitude exposure independently impair marksmanship.
- The detrimental effects of exercise on accuracy persist even after acclimatization to altitude.
- Marksmanship performance can be maintained at sea-level values after acclimatization when at rest.