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Physiological consequences of military high-speed boat transits

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the consequences of a high-speed boat transit on physical performance. Twenty-four Royal Marines were randomly assigned to a control (CON) or transit (TRAN) group. The CON group sat onshore for 3 h whilst the TRAN group completed a 3-h transit in open-boats running side-by-side, at 40 knots in moderate-to-rough seas, with boat deck and seat-pan acceleration recorded. Performance tests (exhaustive shuttle-run, handgrip, vertical-jump, push-up) were completed pre- and immediately post-transit/sit, with peak heart rate (HRpeak) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) recorded. Serial blood samples (pre, 24, 36, 48, 72 h) were analyzed for creatine kinase (CK) activity. The transit was typified by frequent high shock impacts, but moderate mean heart rates (<45% HRpeak). The TRAN group post-transit run distance (−219 m, P < 0.01) and vertical-jump height (5%, P < 0.05) were reduced, the CON group showed no change. The TRAN group post-transit test RPE increased (P < 0.05), however, HRpeak was similar for each group (98%). Post-transit CK activity increased in the TRAN group up to 72 h (P < 0.01) and also, but less markedly, in the CON group (24 and 48 h, P < 0.05). Post-transit run and jump performances were reduced despite mean transit heart rates indicating low energy expenditure. The greater TRAN CK activity suggests muscle damage may have been a contributory factor. These findings have operational implications for Special Forces/naval/police/rescue services carrying out demanding, high-risk physical tasks during and immediately after high-speed boat transits.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the high level of cooperation and logistical support from the Royal Marines and the enthusiasm and sense of humor shown at all times by the volunteers. This research was part-funded by an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Grant (EP/C525744/1) and the Defence Equipment Capability, Air Littoral Manoeuvre, Defence Equipment and Support, UK Ministry of Defence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Chichester, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6PE, UK

    Stephen D. Myers, Benjamin Hall & Rosemary Dyson

  2. STResearch Ltd, Chichester, UK

    Trevor D. Dobbins

  3. QinetiQ Ltd, Farnborough, UK

    Stuart King & Sharon R. Holmes

  4. Clinical Biochemistry Department, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK

    Ruth M. Ayling

  5. V.J. Technology, SIG SCP, Southampton, UK

    Tom Gunston

Authors
  1. Stephen D. Myers
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  2. Trevor D. Dobbins
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  3. Stuart King
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  4. Benjamin Hall
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  5. Ruth M. Ayling
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  6. Sharon R. Holmes
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  7. Tom Gunston
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  8. Rosemary Dyson
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Correspondence to Stephen D. Myers.

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Communicated by Susan Ward.

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Myers, S.D., Dobbins, T.D., King, S. et al. Physiological consequences of military high-speed boat transits. Eur J Appl Physiol 111, 2041–2049 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1765-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1765-3

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