Counter-Terror Fighting Task: Metabolic Demand and Energy Systems' Contributions

In light of the recent increase in terrorist events around the globe, it is surprising that the metabolic demand of counter-terror fighting tasks had not yet been published in the scientific literature. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the metabolic demand and the contribution of the three energy systems to a typical simulated counter-terror combat scenario.

Oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide output (VO2, VCO2), heart rate, ventilatory responses, and blood lactate concentration were measured in 12 randomly selected elite Special Forces police fighters (mean age 33.3 ± 3.6 years). The fighting task involved ascending flights of stairs, climbing a ladder, shooting on hiding terrorists, performing a search and rescue, relocating a wounded colleague, and then descending and exiting from a seven-floor building.

The fighting scenario lasted an average of 4:56 ± 0:22 min. Measured oxygen uptake averaged 31.1 ± 2.0 ml kg min-1 (57.7% of VO2max) with an average peak of 37.7 ± 8.1 ml kg min-1 (75.5% of VO2max). Average and peak heart rates were 160.4 ± 12.2 beats min-1 (85% of the HRmax) and 175.5 ± 10.5 beats min-1 (94% of HRmax), respectively. The energy cost of the fighting scenario averaged 74.3 ± 9.9 Kcal, with 75.5% of the energy generated by aerobic pathways, 14.1% from anaerobic lactacid (glycolytic) and 10.4% from anaerobic a-lactacid (phosphogenic) energy sources.

This study provided novel information related to the physiological demands and the metabolic fuel supplies during a typical counter-terror-fighting task of elite Special Forces. Such information is instrumental in planning and conducting adequate training programs and nutrition support for counter-terror fighting units.