The Relationship of Job Performance to Physical Fitness and Its Application to U. S. Navy Submariners

摘要

During a nuclear submarine patrol (SSN/SSBN) physical activity is severely curtailed for a majority of individuals because of the closed confines of the submarine. Work schedules and studying for self-advancement may also contribute to an inhibition of exercise even in submariners normally motivated to exercise. Two resultant effects of physical deconditioning are a rapid decrement in one's maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and an increasing development of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, submariners are known to have a high caloric intake, high coffee ingestion, and a high rate of smoking. It is well known that these factors all contribute to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). The question of whether career submariners are predisposed to a premature development of CAD has not been resolved. Implementation of a shipboard exercise program will prevent physical deconditioning and will maintain a sense of well-being during patrol and ultimately may lead to increased effectiveness and efficiency of the submarine crew. (Author)