[Indicators of health status and psychomotor abilities in pyrotechnists]

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship of age, psychomotor (oculomotor) functions and parameters indicating overall neuroticism with clinical findings and level of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT).

The study included 100 male subjects, mean age 37 (range 25-62) years, pyrotechnists by occupation. Results recorded on their pre-employment visit and four subsequent regular annual visits are presented. The algorithm of examinations fully complied with current regulations (Official Gazette, 26/96). The following parameters were observed: age, membership/affiliation (Croatian Army, Mungos or other companiess engaged in mine clearing); psychological testing: overall neuroticism (EPQ scale N, Cornell Index), the results accomplished by computerized Bonnardel sinusoid; levels of GGT, and the results of clinical examination. The relationship between group variables and differences in the parameters of between-group variables were tested using a STATISTICA software package (Statsoft, version 5.5).

The results accomplished by computerized Bonnardel sinusoid in the follow-up period revealed a statistically significant decrease in number of mistakes (p<0.001), time-to-perform (p<0.001), and time-to-correct a mistake (p<0.001). At the same time, GGT value raised significantly (p<0.001). Positive relationship between age and psychomotor abilities was statistically significant (p<0.05). Psychomotor abilities showed correlation with age. GGT values were unrelated to either performing characteristics revealed on psychomotor abilities testing, or to the results obtained on overall neuroticism testing.

The results of the study suggested that meaningful monitoring of health competence of pyrotechnicsts should comprise all of the above parameters.