Impact of simulated military operational stress on executive function relative to trait resilience, aerobic fitness, and neuroendocrine biomarkers

To study the impact of 48 h simulated military operational stress (SMOS) on executive function, in addition to role trait resilience (RES) and aerobic fitness (FIT) function performance. Associations between neuropeptide-Y (NPY), brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), oxytocin, ?-klotho (klotho) were assessed elucidate potential biomarkers that may contribute cognitive performance during a multi-factorial scenario. Methods: Fifty-four service members (SM) (26.4 ± 5.4 years, 178.0 6.5 cm, 85.2 14.0 kg) completed 5-day protocol, including daily physical exertion restricted sleep caloric intake. Each morning subjects fasted blood draw followed by Cognition, 10-part test battery assessing function. SMs grouped into tertiles [low (L-), moderate (M-), high (H-)] based Connor Davidson Resilience Score V?O2peak (FIT). Repeated measures ANOVA run analyze effect day biomarker concentration. Separate two-way mixed ANOVAs determine interaction group Friedman with Bonferroni-corrected pairwise comparisons used if assumptions for not met. changes analyzed using parametric non-parametric correlation coefficients. Results: SMOS reduced SM vigilance –11.3% (p < 0.001) working memory –5.6% = 0.015), increased risk propensity +9.5% 0.005). H-RES H-FIT demonstrated stable across > 0.05). Vigilance was compromised L- M-RES 0.007 p 0.001, respectively) as well M-FIT 0.001 0.031, respectively). circulating concentrations -7.2% 0.004), NPY -6.4% 0.001), IGF-I -8.1% from baseline through end protocol. BDNF declined –19.2% after onset restriction 0.005) subsequent recovery within h. Oxytocin remained Several modest associations neuroendocrine identified. Conclusion: This demonstrates buffer vigilance. negatively impacted biomarkers. While returned 5 d NPY, IGF-I, require longer period. These data suggest benefit training and/or selection processes targeting at augmenting readiness.