How Is Attention in Soldiers Affected by Carrying Combat Equipment?

Abstract Background: Load carriage is a common task in military contexts. This study analysed the influence of carrying different equipment during an obstacle course on perception and attention performance in soldiers belonging to the Spanish infantry. Methods: Forty-six soldiers were evaluated before and after having completed a 1-km obstacle course carrying the combat equipment and carrying no additional load (control). The determination test was used to measure the stress tolerance and reaction abilities, while the divided attention test measured the alertness, vigilance and divided attention. Results: A significant decrease was observed in the reaction time after the course compared to the pre-course in the control and combat conditions. In contrast, the correct and incorrect responses and number of reactions increased from the pre to post-obstacle test in the control and combat conditions. Conclusion: Soldiers improved their arousal after having completed a moderate intensity obstacle test, answering more quickly than on a pre-obstacle test.