Abstract (EN):
Background: Conditions of overexertion easily lead to situations of fatigue, which can result in problems for workers¿ health and safety. In military personnel, the severe conditions of their duties can quickly lead to fatigue affecting their health and performance. Objective: To answer this issue, an algorithm to detect fatigue combining the assessment of different physiological variables was developed. The algorithm performance was evaluated within laboratory trials, and this work presents the preliminary results of a retrospective assessment of military training recordings to validate its functioning. Method: Data from three soldiers participating in march-run training were assessed. The algorithm translated physiological sensory data into minute alarms according to fatigue levels determined through the conjunction of normative and related research criteria. Results/Discussion: Outcomes showed the high physiological cost of military practices and helped to overview the impact of each training period. Furthermore, results demonstrated the importance of individual and contextualised assessment for accurately characterise the subject fatigue status. Conclusions: It is concluded that the developed model can improve the management of real-time fatigue, allowing its early detection and preventing further physical impairments. Finally, it can promote the enhancement of work-rest cycles, not only for tactical personnel but also for any safety-sensitive occupation. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Language:
English
Type (Professor's evaluation):
Scientific