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Publication AbstractsInteraction of Chemical Defense Clothing and High Terrestrial Altitudes on Lift/Carry and Marksmanship PerformanceStephen R. Muza, M.S., Ph.D., Ronald Jackson, B.S., Ph.D. Paul B. Rock, D.O., Ph.D., James Roach, B.S., M.D., Timothy Lyons, B.S., Ph.D. and Allen Cymerman, B.S., Ph.D.Aviat Space Environ Med 2000; 71:668-77 AbstractBackground: The increased metabolic energy requirement imposed by a chemical defense uniform (CDU) and the lower maximal aerobic capacity associated with increased altitude should produce greater demands on the cardiopulmonary system during the performance of a given work task at increasing altitudes. We hypothesized that: a) relative to sea level, the decrements in physical work performance caused by ascending to high terrestrial altitudes would be greater in a CDU compared with a standard fatigue uniform (U.S. Army, BDU); b) the aversive subjective reactions to the CDU would be accentuated with increasing altitude; and c) that staging at moderate altitude, to induce acclimatization, would restore work performance at higher altitudes to sea level norms. Methods: The physiological and subjective responses of 8 male soldiers to work (10-min lift-and-carry task and rifle marksmanship) were measured. Subjects wore the BDU and a CDU ensemble (U.S. Army, BDO) at sea level, intermediate (2743 m) and high (4300 m) altitudes following rapid and staged (3 d at 1830 m) ascents to the higher altitudes. Results: Lift/carry task performance tended to be lower (p = 0.076) in the CDU vs. the BDU at altitude. The cardiopulmonary responses to the lift/carry task increased at altitude and were greater in the CDU. The subjects' perception of their ability to perform the lift/carry task at altitude was adversely impacted more in the CDU than the BDU. Rapid ascent to intermediate altitude degraded marksmanship in both uniforms. Following staged ascent, lift/carry task and marksmanship performance was restored to sea level norms. Conclusions: Personnel wearing CDU or equivalent protective clothing at intermediate to high terrestrial elevations should anticipate proportionally larger CDU-induced decrements of work performance and lower tolerance to working in a CDU than experienced near sea level. Staging at moderate altitude is an effective strategy for restoring work performance to sea level norms at higher altitudes.Keywords: altitude, staged ascent, altitude acclimatization, pulmonary function, protective clothing, respiratory protective device, exercise, marksmanship. Information on subscribing, and on obtaining copies of an article or of an entire issue. Table of Contents for Volume 71, Number 7 of the ASME journal.
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