Physiological decrements during sustained military operational stress
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

System for Focal, Closed-System Central Nervous System Injury
Published on: November 29, 2024
Paul C Henning1, Bong-Sup Park, Jeong-Su Kim
1United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Military Performance Division, Kansas Street, Building 42, Natick, MA 01760, USA.
Abstract:
Missions conducted by the U.S. Military during combat involve a multitude of operational stressors that can cause deterioration in physical and military performance of soldiers. Physiological consequences of sustained operational stress include decrements in anabolic hormones, skeletal muscle mass, and loss of bone mineral density. The objective of this review is to examine the current literature and provide commanders with information on the physical and physiological decrements in soldiers conducting sustained operations. The intent is that this will provide commanders with insight on how to plan for missions to incorporate possible countermeasures to enhance or sustain warfighter performance.
Related Concept Videos
Stress Response System
Alarm stage
In the alarm stage, the body's initial...
Physiological Foundation of Stress
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
Psychological Responses to Stress
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis