Psychophysiological Responses in Soldiers during Close Combat: Implications for Occupational Health and Fitness in Tactical Populations.

This study explores the psychophysiological responses and subjective exertion experiences of soldiers in simulated hand-to-hand combat, aligning these findings with established physiological benchmarks. Active military personnel were monitored for heart rate, blood lactate levels, subjective exertion, cortical arousal, and muscle strength during combat scenarios. The results showed significant increases in heart rate and blood lactate, indicating intense cardiovascular demands and a reliance on anaerobic energy systems. Contrary to these physiological changes, soldiers reported lower levels of exertion, suggesting a possible underestimation of physical effort or individual differences in perception and mental resilience to stress. Notably, a decrease in cortical arousal post-combat was observed, potentially signaling cognitive function deficits in decision-making and information processing in high-stress environments. This decline was more pronounced than typically seen in other high-stress situations, highlighting the unique cognitive demands of hand-to-hand combat. Additionally, an increase in muscle strength was noted, underscoring the physiological adaptations arising from intensive combat training. These findings provide valuable insights into the psychophysiological effects of hand-to-hand combat, emphasizing the complex interplay between physical exertion, cognitive function, and stress response in military contexts. The study underscores the need for comprehensive training strategies that address both physical and psychological aspects to enhance combat readiness and decision-making under stress.

Could Combat Stress Affect Journalists' News Reporting? A Psychophysiological Response.

Covering war conflicts may compromise the psychological and physical health of journalists because chronic exposure to these environments has been related to depression, memory dissociative processes, and post-traumatic stress disorder; however, acute effects have not been studied yet. Thus, a combat simulation was carried out replicating actual warfare scenarios, including personnel and equipment. Psychophysiological response, memory, and information-processing were analysed of 40 professional soldiers (21 males and 19 females) and 19 journalists (12 males and 7 females) with international experience in current conflict areas such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo, in relation to their experience of a combat intervention. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in metabolic, muscular, cardiovascular, and cortical and psychological anxiety response, as well as a decrease in memory accuracy directly after and 24 h and 72 h post-combat were found; these modifications were modulated by the nature of the stimulus. Journalists presented higher cognitive and memory impairment than soldiers, resulting in a press reporting of real events accuracy of only 27%.

Effect of Experience and Psychophysiological Modification by Combat Stress in Soldier's Memory.

The present research aimed to analyze the effect of experience and psychophysiological modification by combat stress in soldier's memory in a simulated combat situation. Variables of rate of perceived exertion, blood glucose, blood lactate, lower body muscular strength manifestation, cortical arousal, specific fine motor skills, autonomic modulation, state anxiety, and memory and attention through a postmission questionnaire were analyzed before and after a combat simulation in 15 experienced soldiers of a special operation unit and 20 non-experienced soldiers of light infantry unit from the Spanish Army. The stress of combat simulation produces a significant increase (p < 0.05) in rated perceived exertion, blood glucose, blood lactate, somatic anxiety and a low frequency domain of the heart rate, and a significant decrease of rifle magazine reload time, high frequency domain of the heart rate and somatic anxiety in both groups. The variables of RPE, glucose, CFFT, RMRT, RMSSD, LF/HF, CA, SA and STAI were significantly different in experienced soldiers shown the activation of fight-flight system. The anticipatory anxiety in experienced soldiers shows a cognitive behavioral association by past experiences. The analysis of correct response in the postmission questionnaire show elements more related with the sight and that endanger the physical integrity of soldiers are more remembered, and some significant differences (p < 0.05) in the memory performance of experienced soldiers and non experienced soldiers where experienced soldiers shown a better performance. As conclusion, combat stress produce an increase in the psichophysiological response of soldiers independently of experience, but experienced ones presented a lower negative effect on memory than non experienced.

Psychophysiological response to the use of nuclear, biological and chemical equipment with military tasks.

The current military training requires the development and optimization of different strategies to improve performance in extreme conditions as well as the possible risk of suffering attacks with chemical and/ or radioactive substances. It turns out mandatory to research the psychophysiological response of soldiers and sanitary personnel when wearing the nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) equipment. A longitudinal prospective experimental quantitative study has been developed, using a pre-treatment and post-treatment design. A total of 20 soldiers (33.3 ±â€¯5.4 years), belonging to the Spanish Armed Forces have been analyzed, divided into two groups, when carrying out different training activities designed to that effect. The following variables were analyzed right before and after accomplishing the different tasks: heart rate, heart variability, thermoregulation, blood glucose, explosive strength, perceived effort and motion performance in a munitioning task. The results showed a significant increase (p < 05) in heart rate, blood glucose, perceived effort and the time required when developing the triage tasks and when putting a tourniquet on other person in the group wearing NBC equipment compared to the other group, as well as a longer time required in a munitioning task. These results highlight the importance of training and preparing the sanitary and military personnel in the use of NBC equipment.

Use of Psychophysiological Portable Devices to Analyse Stress Response in Different Experienced Soldiers.

Previous studies have shown that actuate stress have a negative effect on working memory, visio-spatial ability and symptoms of disassociation. We conducted the present research with the aim of to analyse the effect of experience and training in psychophysiological response, attention and memory of soldiers in combat. Variables of blood lactate, blood glucose, blood oxygen saturation, body temperature, heart rate, lower body muscular strength manifestation, autonomic modulation, cortical arousal, cognitive and somatic anxiety, and memory by a post mission questionnaire were analysed before and after a combat simulation in 49 soldiers of Spanish Army. Combat simulation produced a significant increase (p < 0.05) in blood lactate, blood glucose, blood oxygen saturation, rated perceived exertion, heart rate, cognitive and somatic anxiety. Significant increase in low frequency domain and significant decrease in high frequency domain of the heart rate variability was found in experienced and highly trained soldiers. The percentage of correct response in the post mission questionnaire indicated that elements better remembered were those related with soldier integrity and considered as a possible life threat, Significant differences in the post mission questionnaire by experience and training was also found. Correlation analysis showed that higher psychophysiological activation correlated positively with cognitive impairment and lower memory. As a conclusion, higher experienced soldiers presented higher physiological activation as well as cognitive and memory impairment than lower experienced soldier after a combat simulation and memory function was modulated by the stimulus nature.

Effectiveness of Psycho-Physiological Portable Devices to Analyse Effect of Ergogenic Aids in Military Population.

Caffeine is one of the ergogenic substances most used by warfighters in current operation areas, but the effect on the organic response and operational performed is already poor knowledge. This research aimed to study the acute effect of 400 mg of caffeine monohydrate on the psycho-physiological response and rifle marksmanship of warfighters during a close quarter combat simulation. We analysed parameter of heart rate, blood lactate, cortical arousal, state anxiety and marksmanship of 20 Spanish Army veteran warfighters before and after a close quarter combat simulation in a double-blind procedure, also a correlation analysis was conducted between all the study variables. Marksmanship of warfighters did not improve with the caffeine ingestion, but it produced an increase in blood lactate concentration (caffeine: 1.9 ± 0.5 vs. 9.2 ± 1.1 mmol.l-1; placebo: 1.8 ± 0.7 vs. 6.9 ± 2.2 mmol.l-1), cortical arousal (% of change: caffeine: 2.51; placebo: -1.96) and heart rate (caffeine: 80.0 ± 7.2 vs. 172.9 ± 28.2 bpm; placebo: 79.3 ± 6.4 vs. 154.0 ± 26.8 bpm). In addition, higher heart rate values correlated negatively with marksmanship in close quarter combat. We concluded that caffeine intake did not improve the warfighters rifle marksmanship in close quarter combat possibly due to the increase in the physiological response.

Inalambric Biofeedback Devices to Analyze Strength Manifestation in Military Population.

The study of the effect of stress on both combatants physiological and anatomical systems have been poor studied in the specific literature. The present research aimed to study the effect of combat stress in strength manifestations of leg flexor-extensor muscles and the anaerobic metabolism of soldiers. Before and after asymmetrical combat simulation were analyzed parameters of blood lactate concentration, explosive leg strength manifestation and contractile capacity of leg muscle in 186 professional soldiers. Results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in blood lactate values (2.23 ± 0.95 vs 7.47 ± 3.67 mmol/L), explosive leg strength (Squat Jump 0.31 ± 0.06 vs 0.35 ± 0.07 m, Countermovement Jump 0.33 ± 0.07 vs 0.36 ± 0.07 m, Abalakov Jump 0.39 ± 0.08 vs 0.41 ± 0.09 m), and a significant decrease of the elastic capacity (0.022 ± 0.04 vs 0.021 ± 0.04) and recruitment and muscle synchronization capability (0.028 ± 0.04 vs 0.026 ± 0.04). This data suggest that combat stress increases the leg strength manifestation despite the significantly increase of muscle acidosis after a combat simulation. This result is probably due to the high activation of the fight-flight system of soldiers which increases the organic response of soldiers and that can compensate the prejudicial effect of acidosis in muscle contraction. These results could be used by officers to improve specific training programs and to improve planning and election of equipment and material for the development of different missions in current theaters of operations.

Psychophysiological response to acute-high-stress combat situations in professional soldiers.

The study of psychophysiological responses of soldiers in combat situations remains a challenge, especially in melee combat-a close proximity unarmed fight-defined by high unpredictability. Gaining knowledge about psychophysiological changes in high-stress situations is required to optimise training. This study aimed to analyse modifications in autonomic modulation, cortical arousal, heart rate, muscle strength, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion of veteran soldiers in a melee combat simulation. Twenty veteran soldiers were analysed before and after a melee combat simulation in accordance with realistic situations that occur in actual operations areas. The simulation consisted of actions performed by a binomial unit in a security and protection mission in an operations area. The melee combat caused an increase in sympathetic modulation, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, muscle strength, a decreased tendency in cortical arousal, and a lower rating of perceived exertion than the organic response measured. An intense fight-flight response was observed in soldiers by the limbic system activation, causing a misinterpretation of perceived exertion. Finally, implications for the design of simulation environments for tactics training in high-stress professions are discussed.

Psychophysiological Response and Fine Motor Skills in High-Altitude Parachute Jumps.

Clemente-Suárez, Vicente Javier, José Juan Robles-Pérez, Ketty Herrera-Mendoza, Beliña Herrera-Tapias, and Jesús Fernández-Lucas. Psychophysiological response and fine motor skills in high-altitude parachute jumps. High Alt Med Biol 18:392-399, 2017.-We analyzed the psychophysiological response and specific fine motor skill of an experienced jumper in HALO (high altitude low opening) and HAHO (high altitude high opening) parachute jumps. Eight HALO and eight HAHO jumpers were analyzed. They jumped at 5500 m, HALO jumpers opened the parachute at 500 m and HAHO jumpers at 4300 m of altitude. Before and after the jumps, parameters of muscle strength, cortical arousal, blood creatine kinase (CK) and glucose, blood oxygen saturation, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and specific fine motor skills of an experienced jumper were assessed; during the jump, heart rate (HR), HR variability, and speed were evaluated. HALO and HAHO jumps produced a significant increase in CK, lactate, and RPE, and a decrease in glucose. HAHO decreased cortical arousal, presented a higher sympathetic modulation, and a higher HR during the jump than HALO. HALO and HAHO produced an increase in the physiological, sympathetic modulation and muscle destruction, and a decrease in cortical arousal and a higher blood lactate concentration only in the HAHO jump. Also, somatic and cognitive anxiety correlated with higher strength manifestation and muscle destruction. This novel research could be used to improve actual training systems in both civil and military parachute jumpers.

Use of Minicameras to Improve Operative Procedure in Security Forces.

The aim of the present study was to analyze pistol and compact rifle marksmanship in close quarter combat (CQC). There is currently a controversy about what weapon is most appropriate to use in CQC, short weapon as pistols or long weapons as rifle. Forty two participants conducted two close quarter combat simulations, one with pistol and one with compact rifle. Marksmanship and time to cover the simulation were measured. Data obtained showed no significant differences between pistol and compact rifle. In addition, it was observed a tendency to obtain higher scores with compact rifle, probably be due to the higher stability provided in the shot action. Compact rifle could be an effective election in actual theaters of operation in which asymmetrical and symmetrical combat are combined and also in police interventions due to compact rifle provide higher fire power and range and obtained the same shooting performance than pistol. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study that provides empirical data to solve the discussion about the efficiency of the use of rifle and pistol in close quarter combat in military and police interventions. These results could be used to improve the military and police interventions efficiency.

Combat Stress Decreases Memory of Warfighters in Action.

The present research aimed to analyze the effect of combat stress in the psychophysiological response and attention and memory of warfighters in a simulated combat situation. Variables of blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood glucose, blood lactate, body temperature, lower body muscular strength manifestation, cortical arousal, autonomic modulation, state anxiety and memory and attention through a postmission questionnaire were analyzed before and after a combat simulation in 20 male professional Spanish Army warfighters. The combat simulation produces a significant increase (p < 0.05) in explosive leg strength, rated perceived exertion, blood glucose, blood lactate, somatic anxiety, heart rate, and low frequency domain of the HRV (LF) and a significant decrease of high frequency domain of the heart rate variability (HF). The percentage of correct response in the postmission questionnaire parameters show that elements more related with a physical integrity threat are the most correctly remembered. There were significant differences in the postmission questionnaire variables when participants were divided by the cortical arousal post: sounds no response, mobile phone correct, mobile phone no response, odours correct. The correlation analysis showed positive correlations: LF post/body temperature post, HF post/correct sound, body temperature post/glucose post, CFFTpre/lactate post, CFFT post/wrong sound, glucose post/AC pre, AC post/wrong fusil, AS post/SC post and SC post/wrong olfactory; and negative correlations: LF post/correct sound, body temperature post/lactate post and glucose post/lactate post. This data suggest that combat stress actives fight-flight system of soldiers. As conclusion, Combat stress produces an increased psychophysiological response that cause a selective decrease of memory, depending on the nature, dangerous or harmless of the objects.

Psychophysiological response in parachute jumps, the effect of experience and type of jump.

We aimed to analyse the effect of experience and type of parachute jump on the psychophysiological responses of jumpers. We analysed blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood glucose, lactate and creatinkinase, leg strength, isometric hand strength, cortical arousal, specific fine motor skills, self-confidence and cognition, and somatic and state anxiety, before and after four different parachute jumps: a sport parachute jump, a manual tactical parachute jump, tandem pilots, and tandem passengers. Independently of the parachute jump, the psychophysiological responses of experienced paratroopers were not affected by the jumps, except for an increase in anaerobic metabolism. Novice parachute jumpers presented a higher psychophysiological stress response than the experienced jumpers, together with a large anticipatory anxiety response before the jump; however, this decreased after the jump, although the high physiological activation was maintained. This information could be used by civil and military paratroopers' instructors to improve their training programmes.

Effect of Combat Stress in the Psychophysiological Response of Elite and Non-Elite Soldiers.

We aimed to analyse the effect of combat stress in the psychophysiological responses of elite and non-elite soldiers. We analysed heart rate, cortical arousal, skin temperature, blood lactate concentration and lower body muscular strength before and after a tactical combat simulation in 40 warfighters divided in two groups: elite (n: 20; 28.5 ± 6.38 years) and non-elite (n:20; 31.94 ± 6.24 years) group. Elite presented a significantly higher lactate concentration after combat than non elite soldiers (3.8 ± 1.5 vs 6.6 ± 1.3 mmol/L). Non-elite soldiers had a higher heart rate pre and post the simulation than elite (82.9 ± 12.3 vs 64.4 ± 11. pre non elite and elite respectively; 93.0 ± 12.8 vs 88 ± 13.8 bpm post non elite and elite respectively). Elite soldiers presented higher lower muscular strength than elite in all test and before and after the combat simulation. Cortical arousal was not modified significantly in both groups. We conclude elite soldiers presented in combat a higher anaerobic metabolism activation and muscular strength than non-elite soldiers, but cardiovascular, cortical, and muscular strength manifestation presented the same response in both elite and non-elite soldiers.

Psycho-physiological response in an automatic parachute jump.

Parachute jump is an extreme activity that elicits an intense stress response that affects jumpers' body systems being able to put them at risk. The present research analysed modifications in blood oxygen saturation (BOS), heart rate (HR), cortisol, glucose, lactate, creatine kinase (CK), muscles strength, cortical arousal, autonomic modulation, pistol magazine reload time (PMRT) and state anxiety before and after an automatic open parachute jump in 38 male Spanish soldiers (25.6 ± 5.9 years). A MANOVA with samples as a fixed factor and Effect Size (ES) were conducted. MANOVA showed (Wilks lambda = .225; F = 5.980; P = .000) a significantly increase in cortisol (6.2 ± 3.2 vs. 8.2 ± 4.3 nmol/l; P = .025; ES = .47), HR (75.0 ± 14.6 vs. 87.4 ± 17.3 bpm; P = .004; ES = .72), lactate (1.8 ± 1.2 vs. 4.4 ± 2.2 mmol · l-1; P = .002; ES = 1.18), sympathetic nervous system and leg strength manifestation after the parachute jump. By contrary BOS, PMRT (55.6 ± 27.6 vs. 48.0 ± 16.7 s; P = .021; ES = .46) and somatic anxiety (SA), evaluated by CSAI2R questionnaire, decreased. An automatic parachute jump increased physiological and cortical response and decreased SA of participants. This stress response can affect the jumpers' abilities and allow us to have a better understanding of the organism stress response and to improve training for both military and sport parachute jumps.

Experience modulates the psychophysiological response of airborne warfighters during a tactical combat parachute jump.

We aimed to analyse the effect of experience level in the psychophysiological response and specific fine motor skills of novel and expert parachute warfighters during a tactical combat parachute jump. We analysed blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, salivary cortisol, blood glucose, lactate and creatinkinase, leg strength, isometric hand-grip strength, cortical arousal, specific fine motor skills and cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confident before and after a tactical combat parachute jump in 40 warfighters divided in two group, novel (n=17) and expert group (n=23). Novels presented a higher heart rate, lactate, cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and a lower self-confident than experts during the jump. We concluded that experience level has a direct effect on the psychophysiological response since novel paratroopers presented a higher psychophysiological response than compared to the expert ones, however this result neither affected the specific fine motor skills nor the muscle structure after a tactical combat parachute jump.

Respuesta psicofisiológica en un salto táctico paracaidista a gran altitud. A propósito de un caso / Psychophysiological response in a high altitude tactical parachute jump. A case study

El estudio de las diversas facetas del combate a las que el soldado tiene que hacer frente ha sido poco investigado en la literatura científica, aunque en los últimos años varios estudios han mostrado la alta respuesta orgánica del combatiente debido al estrés en situaciones de combate simétrico, asimétrico, a corta distancia y en combate cuerpo a cuerpo, pero sigue sin haber estudios centrados en situaciones límite previas al combate como los saltos paracaidistas, especialmente en saltos a alta cota como el HALO (High Altitud Low Opening). Esta investigación tenía por objeto estudiar la respuesta psicofisiológica en la realización de un salto HALO. Se analizó a un saltador experimentado (más de 200 saltos) de la Brigada Paracaidista del Ejército de Tierra Español (25 años; 61 kg; 170 cm) en un salto HALO, salto a 18000 pies y apertura a 4000 pies. Antes y después de la maniobra se evaluaron parámetros de fuerza muscular, activación cortical, concentración sanguínea de creatinfosfokinasa y glucosa, saturación de oxígeno en sangre, percepción subjetiva de esfuerzo y habilidades motrices finas especificas; durante el salto se evaluó la frecuencia cardiaca, la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca para el estudio de la modulación autonómica y la acelerometría mediante un dispositivo GPS. Los datos muestran como un salto HALO provocó un aumento de la modulación simpática, alcanzando valores de frecuencia cardiaca máxima de 217 pulsaciones, una disminución de la activación cortical y de la fuerza muscular, un aumento de la concentración sanguínea de creatinfosfokinasa, una mantenimiento de valores de glucosa sanguínea, de saturación de oxígeno, una percepción subjetiva de esfuerzo inferior a la respuesta orgánica evaluada y ningún efecto sobre la habilidad motriz fina especifica del combatiente. Este novedoso resultado puede ser utilizado para mejorar la preparación de los paracaidistas de combate (AU)

The study of the different phases of actual warfare that in the current theathers of operations have been poor studied in the specific literature, although in the last years several studies have shown the increased warfighter organic response in situations of symmetrical, asymmetrical, close quarter and melee combats due to the combat stress. Despite this study and to the best of our knowledge there are no studies focusing on extreme situations previous to the combat as parachute jumps, especially high altitude jumps as the HALO (High Altitude Low Opening). This research aimed to study the psychophysiological response of a warfighter performing a HALO parachute jump. A HALO jump, jump at 18,000 feet and opening at 4,000 feet, performed by an experimented jumper (over 200 jumps) of the Paratrooper Brigade of the Spanish Army (170 cm; 61 kg; 25 years) were analyzed. Before and after the HALO jump parameters of muscle strength, cortical arousal, blood levels of creatinekinase and glucose, blood oxygen saturation, rated of perceived exertion and specific fine motor skills were assessed; during the jump heart rate, heart rate variability (to analyze autonomic modulation) and accelerometry (by a GPS device) were evaluated. The data showed as a HALO jump caused an increased sympathetic modulation, reaching values of maximum heart rate of 217 beats per minute, a decreased in cortical arousal and muscle strength, an increased blood levels of creatinekinase, a maintenance of blood glucose and oxygen saturation, a rated of perceived exertion lower than the assessed organic response and no effect on specific fine motor skills of the warfighter. This novel research could be used to improve actual training systems in paratroopers’ brigades (AU)

Acute effects of caffeine supplementation on cortical arousal, anxiety, physiological response and marksmanship in close quarter combat.

Previous studies have researched the ergogenic effect of caffeine in different shooting actions, but none of them in a stressful combat action. This study aimed to analyse the effect of a dose of 400 mg of caffeine monohydrate on the psycho-physiological response and marksmanship of soldiers in close quarter combat (CQC). We analysed the heart rate, blood lactate concentration, cortical arousal, state anxiety and marksmanship of 19 soldiers in the Spanish Army (38.9 ± 4.1 years; 177.4 ± 5.3 cm; 78.8 ± 7.6 kg) before and after a CQC simulation in a double-blind procedure. Caffeine intake did not improve shooting performance in CQC; however, it increased cognitive and somatic anxiety levels. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY: According to the previous literature, the ingestion of caffeine could help soldiers in operations conducted in sleep deprivation conditions, but in stressful combat situations it does not improve the marksmanship of soldiers.

Análisis de los marcadores fisiológicos, activación cortical y manifestaciones de la fuerza en una situación simulada de combate / Analysis of physiological markers, cortical activation and strength manifestations in a simulated combat

El análisis de la respuesta orgánica durante el combate es un campo de estudio poco tratado en la bibliografía específica, más centrada en el análisis de procesos de toma de decisiones y coordinación entre unidades. Por ello se planteó como objetivo de este trabajo el estudio de la respuesta cortical, metabólica, fisiológica, de fuerza muscular y la percepción subjetiva de esfuerzo en una simulación de combate. Se analizó la frecuencia crítica de fusión (FCF) para evaluarla activación cortical y la fatiga del sistema nervioso central, la fuerza explosiva de piernas, fuerza isométrica, lactato, creatinkinasa (CK) y urea sanguínea y percepción subjetiva de esfuerzo en 2 miembros de las Fuerzas Armadas del Estado Español (37.5±3.5 años; 179.7±13.6 cm; 79.4±11.9kg) antes y después de realizar una simulación de combate, en la que debían superar una pista de obstáculos, limpiar una trinchera y neutralizar a un guardia. Después de la simulación los sujetos mostraron un aumento en los valores de lactato, CK, urea, fuerza explosiva de piernas y de los valores de FCF, y una disminución en los valores de fuerza isométrica. La velocidad media de movimiento fue de 2 km/h y la frecuencia cardiaca media fue de 150.00±21.22 p/m. Por lo tanto, la simulación de combate provocó un aumento de los niveles de activación cortical y destrucción muscular, se realizó a una intensidad cercana al umbral anaeróbico, a pesar de la baja velocidad de ejecución registrada, y la percepción subjetiva de esfuerzo registrada no se corresponde con la respuesta orgánica obtenida. Estos resultados ponen de manifiesto la respuesta real de los combatientes durante un combate simulado. Estos datos pueden servir para adecuar los actuales sistemas de entrenamiento para las actuales misiones en zonas de combate (AU)

Analysis of organic response in combat is a bit field of study specifically studied in specific literature, more focused on the analysis of decision-making processes of officers and coordination between units during the combat. For this reason the objective of this work is to analyze the cortical response, metabolic, physiological, muscle strength and rating of perceive dexertion in simulated combat. We analyzed the critical frequency of fusion (FCF) to assess cortical activation and fatigue of central nervous system, explosive strength of legs, isometric strength, blood lactate, creatinekinase (CK) and urea concentration and rating of perceive dexertion in 2 members of the Spanish Armed Forces (37.5±3.5 years, 179.7±13.6 cm, 79.4±11.9kg) before and after a combat simulation. In this combat simulation subjects had to cover a military obstacle track, clean trenches and neutralize a guard. After combat simulation the subjects showed an increase in blood lactate levels, CK, urea, explosive strength of legs and FCF values, and a decrease in isometric strength values. The speed average was 2 km/h and heart rate average during the combat simulation was 150.00±21.22 bpm. Therefore, the combat simulation caused an increase in cortical activation levels and muscle destruction, it was performed at intensity close to anaerobic threshold, despite the low speed of execution registered, and rating of perceived exertion does not correspond with the organic response obtained. The results show the real response of the soldiers during a simulated combat. These data may serve to bring the current system of training for current missions in combat zones (AU)