Non-Invasive Physiological Monitoring for Physical Exertion and Fatigue Assessment in Military Personnel: A Systematic Review

Denisse Bustos, Joana C. Guedes, Mário P. Vaz, Eduardo Pombo, Ricardo J. Fernandes, José Torres Costa and João Santos Baptista
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Denisse Bustos: Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics, (LAETA/PROA), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Joana C. Guedes: Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics, (LAETA/PROA), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Mário P. Vaz: Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics, (LAETA/PROA), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Eduardo Pombo: Commando Regiment, Portuguese Army, Serra da Carregueira, 2605-045 Sintra, Portugal
Ricardo J. Fernandes: Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
José Torres Costa: Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics, (LAETA/PROA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
João Santos Baptista: Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics, (LAETA/PROA), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-28

Abstract: During operational activities, military personnel face extremely demanding circumstances, which when combined lead to severe fatigue, influencing both their well-being and performance. Physical exertion is the main condition leading to fatigue, and its continuous tracking would help prevent its effects. This review aimed to investigate the up-to-date progress on non-invasive physiological monitoring to evaluate situations of physical exertion as a pre-condition to fatigue in military populations, and determine the potential associations between physiological responses and fatigue, which can later result in decision-making indicators to prevent health-related consequences. Adhering to the PRISMA Statement, four databases (Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science and PubMed) were used for a literature search based on combinations of keywords. The eligibility criteria focused on studies monitoring physiological variables through non-invasive objective measurements, with these measurements being developed in military field, combat, or training conditions. The review process led to the inclusion of 20 studies. The findings established the importance of multivariable assessments in a real-life context to accurately characterise the effects of military practices. A tendency for examining heart rate variables, thermal responses, and actigraphy measurements was also identified. The objectives and experimental protocols were diverse, but the effectiveness of non-invasive measurements in identifying the most fatigue-inducing periods was demonstrated. Nevertheless, no assessment system for standardised application was presented. Future work may include the development of assessment methods to translate physiological recordings into actionable information in real-time and mitigate the effects of fatigue on soldiers’ performance accurately.

Keywords: military operations; physiological variables; stressors; non-invasive methods; occupational health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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