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Is Regular Physical Activity Practice During a Submarine Patrol an Efficient Coping Strategy?
Charles Martin-Krumm1, Barbara Lefranc2,3, Alan Moelo4
1Ecole de Psychologues Praticiens (EPP), Paris, France.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
|July 29, 2021
Summary
Physical activity during submarine patrols helps maintain alertness but may worsen health and sleep. Regular exercise supports sensory function but doesn't fully counteract the negative effects of the isolated environment.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Human Physiology
- Psychology
Background:
- Submarine patrols involve prolonged isolation and confinement, negatively impacting submariners' mood and cognition.
- The unique environment of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) presents significant occupational health challenges.
- Understanding the effects of physical activity (PA) on submariners' well-being is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of regular physical activity on mood, sensory function, and overall health in submariners during patrols.
- To compare submariners who engage in PA with those who do not, regarding psychological and physiological changes.
- To investigate the role of PA in mitigating the adverse effects of isolated and confined environments.
Main Methods:
- A pragmatic exploratory cohort follow-up study involving 29 submariners.
- PA was assessed via daily self-questionnaires, categorizing participants into PA practicing and non-practicing groups.
- Mood, psychological activation, health, sleep, postural stability, and visual accommodation were measured before, during, and after patrols.
Main Results:
- Thymic functioning generally declined during patrols.
- Submariners practicing PA maintained stable psychological activation compared to non-practicing peers.
- PA participants showed better postural control and preserved visual accommodation but reported worse general health and sleep upon return.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity alone does not fully reverse thymic dysregulation caused by the SSBN environment.
- PA appears to support the maintenance of exteroceptive (sensory) functioning in submariners.
- Future research should explore PA combined with sensory stimulation for individuals in isolated, confined settings.
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