Psychophysiological and Specific Fine Motor Skill Modifications in a Checkpoint Action

Area of Science:

• Military science
• Human physiology
• Psychology

Background:

• Insurgency attacks on military bases are increasingly common.
• Understanding soldiers' psychophysiological responses in asymmetrical warfare is crucial.
• Previous research has not fully addressed the complex stressors of checkpoint simulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the psychophysiological response of soldiers during a simulated checkpoint operation.
• To assess changes in fine motor skills following simulated combat stressors.
• To investigate the impact of surveillance, unexpected attacks, and melee combat on soldiers' physical and mental states.

Main Methods:

• A simulation of a checkpoint operation involving surveillance, unexpected attacks, and melee combat was conducted.
• 24 professional Spanish Army soldiers participated in the study.
• Psychophysiological parameters (heart rate, blood glucose, pressure, oxygen saturation, lactate, leg strength, skin temperature, cortical activation, anxiety) and fine motor skills were measured before and after the simulation.

Main Results:

• The checkpoint simulation significantly increased perceived exertion, heart rate, blood lactate, leg strength, and somatic anxiety.
• Blood oxygen saturation and skin temperature significantly decreased post-simulation.
• Results indicate a sympathetic nervous system activation, consistent with a fight-flight response.

Conclusions:

• The simulated checkpoint operation induced significant psychophysiological stress in soldiers.
• Soldiers exhibited a fight-flight response, characterized by physiological changes and altered exertion perception.
• Findings can aid in predicting soldiers' physical and operational behavior in real combat situations.