Performance of Simulated Military Tasks at High Altitude

Abstract

To determine the effects of high altitude on the ability of infantrymen to integrate a series of important psychomotor skills and physical performance tasks, 23 soldier volunteers were tested on a simulated combat course at sea level and high altitude (Pike's Peak, 14,110 ft.). The tasks measured included weapon loading and firing, identification of hostile objects, remembering a message, grenade throwing and running, and simple and complex reaction time. In addition, the effectiveness of 2 drugs, codeine and phenformin, in reducing the adverse effects of acute exposure to high altitude was evaluated. The main effect of acute exposure to 14,110 ft. was on time required to complete tasks; in contrast, high elevation had little effect on accuracy of performance. Neither codeine nor phenformin was effective in improving performance.