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Counter-Terror Fighting Task: Metabolic Demand and Energy Systems' Contributions
Omri Inbar1,2, Lior Petluk1, Gal Dubnov-Raz2,3
1Wingate College, Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel.
Military Medicine
|August 24, 2018
Summary
This study quantifies the metabolic demand of simulated counter-terror combat, revealing that 75.5% of energy is aerobic. This research is vital for optimizing training and nutrition for elite counter-terror units.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Special Operations
Background:
- Increasing global terrorist events necessitate understanding the physiological strain on counter-terror units.
- Limited scientific data exists on the metabolic demands of counter-terror fighting tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic demand of a simulated counter-terror combat scenario.
- To determine the contribution of the three primary energy systems during this task.
Main Methods:
- 12 elite Special Forces police fighters participated.
- Measurements included oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide output (VCO2), heart rate, ventilatory responses, and blood lactate.
- A simulated combat task involved stair climbing, ladder ascent, shooting, search and rescue, casualty evacuation, and building egress.
Main Results:
- The average oxygen uptake was 57.7% of VO2max, with peaks reaching 75.5% of VO2max.
- Average heart rate was 85% of HRmax, peaking at 94% of HRmax.
- Aerobic pathways supplied 75.5% of energy, with anaerobic lactacid (14.1%) and a-lactacid (10.4%) pathways contributing.
Conclusions:
- This study provides novel physiological data on counter-terror fighting tasks.
- Findings are crucial for designing effective training programs and nutrition strategies for elite Special Forces.
- Understanding metabolic demands enhances operational readiness and performance.