The Use of Modern Technology to Evaluate Shipboard Metabolic Rate Aboard a U.S. Navy Ship While Deployed in the Persian Gulf: 2626 Board #8 June 1 3 15 PM - 5 15 PM

Physiological data are often used to develop work/rest cycles and thermal exposure guidance. A large component of the U.S. Navy’s shipboard heat exposure guidance, known as Physiological Heat Exposure Limit (PHEL) curves, relies on metabolic rate. Shipboard work spaces present an extremely challenging work environment with respect to the impact of high heat and humidity on the integrity of obtaining digital data. Data collections conducted on an aircraft carrier have an increased potential for signal disruption due the potential for electromagnetic interference and previous attempts have been unsuccessful. With the availability and technological advancement of more robust commercial, wireless physiological data devices, it is now possible to evaluate if existing exposure guidance accurately reflects the work rate performed within the shipboard environment. PURPOSE: To obtain actual shipboard metabolic rates of various personnel aboard an aircraft carrier deployed in the Persian Gulf. METHODS: Twenty-nine personnel (age: 23 ± 3 yrs, height: 169 ± 10 cm, weight: 79.4 ± 14.3 kg) had their VO2, HR, and Tcore measured while performing actual shipboard duties for approximately three hours on two separate days (T1 and T2). Personnel were from the following work spaces: Flight Deck, Hangar Bay, Scullery, Galley, Waste Management, Catapult, and Reactor Room. RESULTS: From a possible total collection time of 12,771 min, there were 9,248 min (72%) of usable data for VO2, 12,120 min (95%) for HR, and 10,711 min (84%) for Tcore . Mean results were consistent across all personnel for both trials (mean trial duration = 194 ± 33 min). VO2 was 0.67 ± 0.14 L/min and 0.67 ± 0.11 L/min, p=.22; HR was 102 ± 11 bpm and 96 ± 11 bpm, p=.06; and Tcore was 37.6 ± 0.2°C and 37.4 ± 0.2°C, p=.04 for T1 and T2, respectively. CONCLUSION: Findings from this pilot study indicate that physiological data, including actual work setting VO2, HR, and Tcore data, can be obtained using current technology in extreme work place (i.e., field) environments. This sophisticated technology can have a significant impact on developing new work/rest guidance, in addition to heat exposure guidance, in military and civilian work place environments. Results from this pilot evaluation will lead to an effort to revise the U.S. Navy’s shipboard PHEL curve guidance.