Physical Activity Aboard Nuclear Submarines as Measured by Pedometry

摘要

Activity levels of 44 submarines were monitored before and during a fleet ballistic missile submarine patrol. These levels were determined by use of a pedometer worn on the hip. Readings were obtained daily and recorded in a log as miles walked. Through extensive preliminary testing it was determined that the miles unit was useless, due to variability in the sensitivity of the pedometer pendulum movements and the inability to determine a meaningful stride length . Results for any combination of pedometer/user were, however, repeatable. For lack of a better term, results are reported in miles per day and are as follows: Control = 2.11 + or - 0.32 and Underway = 1.01 + or - 0.27 (P<.05 Student T). This reduction of more than 50% in activity level may in part be responsible for the physical deconditioning observed during the course of a 40-70 day submergence period.