Methodology for Measuring the Physiological Strain of Enhanced Soldiers: The 1998 Soldier Combat System Enhancement Study

摘要

The prime objective of the 1998 Soldier Combat System Enhancement Study was to assess, develop and verify methods to evaluate the physiological performance of dismounted soldiers with basic or enhanced capabilities conducting routine operations in the tropics. Core temperature, mean skin temperature and heart rate are appropriate measures for evaluating the physiological burden of soldier combat system enhancements. Current techniques for measuring mean skin temperature and heart rates are adequate. The measurement of core temperature using rectal thermistors has significant limitations, especially during vigorous activities. Studies of the hydration status of soldiers can be conducted using relatively straightforward methods to determine water intake, weight loss, urine production, and total sweat rate by weight differences. For field studies of hydration, there may be no need to analyze urine for sodium; specific gravity is more easily measured and appears to provide adequate information on hydration status. The robustness of the Metamax used for VO2 measurements was demonstrated and provided real time measurements of oxygen consumption, and of metabolic stress associated with activities.