Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

Field-Based Thermal Physiology Assay: Cold Shock Recovery under Ambient Conditions
Published on: March 9, 2021
Physiological, biochemical, and psychological responses to environmental survival training in the Royal Australian
Annalise L Chester1, Andrew M Edwards, Melissa Crowe
1Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia.
Abstract:
Military environmental survival training (EST) is designed and considered to evoke significant stressors to military personnel in preparation for combat-like scenarios. The aim of this study was to observe and report selected physiological, biochemical, psychological, and performance responses to this intense 15-day program of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) EST. Fourteen RAAF participants undertook the EST course. Physiological and psychological responses were collected across the 15 days across outcomes: (1) biochemical markers (blood lactate, interlukin-6, and creatine kinase), (2) performance and anthropometric indices (vertical jump, body mass), and (3) psychological questionnaires profile of mood states, depression anxiety stress scale, Kessler-10 etc.). Creatine kinase concentration increased significantly from baseline to day 5 (p < 0.05) and thereafter remained elevated for the remaining 10 days of EST (128%; p < 0.01). Vertical jump (-10%; p < 0.01) and body mass (-8%; p < 0.01) both decreased across 15 days of EST, while there were no significant change in interlukin-6. Negative psychological responses were observed for mood (p < 0.01), depression (p < 0.05), anxiety (p < 0.01), and stress (p < 0.01) following the EST course. This case study showed the RAAF EST course imposed significant physiological and psychological stress as observed from markers of muscle damage, deterioration in physical performance, substantial weight loss, negative mood, and psychological distress.
Related Concept Videos
Sympathetic Activation
Physiological Foundation of Stress
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
Stress Response System
Alarm stage
In the alarm stage, the body's initial...
Natural Selection and Adaptation
Beyond physical adaptations, psychological...
Preparedness and Phobias
Cognitive Dissonance