The Effects of Repeated Operational Stress and Limited Recovery on Resilience Capacity
United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine
Summary
This longitudinal study will examine the effects of repeated bouts of operational stress and limited recovery on integrated MPS, whole-body protein balance, iron absorption, and aerobic performance. Following baseline characterization measures, active adults (n=24) representative of normal weight phenotype (NW; n=12) and overweight phenotype (OW; n=12) will complete a 48h balance phase preceding two rounds of repeated 72h energy deficit exposure each immediately followed by a 48h recovery phase. NW cutoff will be defined ≤ 22% body fat for males and ≤ 32% body fat for females. OW cutoff will be defined as \>22% body fat for males and \>32% body fat for females. These body composition cutoffs are informed by the maximum allowable percent body fat standards outlined in current Army Regulation 600-9. Additional details for determining % body fat are outlined in the experimental procedures section of the protocol.
Description
Operational stress inherent of military training and operations is largely unavoidable and jeopardizes Warfighter readiness and performance. Operational stressors, including high physical activity, severe energy deficiency, and restricted sleep, challenge Warfighter resilience. The characterization of physiological factors contributing to maintained or declining resilience during repeated stress exposures with limited recovery is therefore required to enable development of new, targeted interventions that maintain or enhance resilience. Previous efforts have characterized the regulation of phy…