The Impact of Static Spatial Stability on Soldiers’ Functional Readiness

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the correlation between static spatial stability and functional readiness of officer cadets (26 cadets; average age – 19.7 years). The variability of cadets’ heart rhythm was analysed using the MPFI rhythmograph-1 system and EasyHRV software. Additionally, the Stabilis hardwaresoftware system was employed to assess the static spatial stability of cadets. The results were processed using non- parametric ANOVA statistical analysis. The main results obtained after balancing on 10 cm high stabilometric platform showed a statistically significant decrease of the median value of RRNN indicator (p<0.001), as well as a decrease in the Moda indicator (p<0.001), which indicates a decrease in the homogeneity of the heart rhythm. In addition, heart rate and parametric pulse rhythm amplitude increased (p<0.05), which indicates a regular functional response of the cardiovascular system to this physical activity. During the platform test, the statistically significant median differences were found in most indicators of static spatial stability of officer cadets (p<0.05). The platform test led to an increase in the length of the centre of pressure oscillation trajectory by 113.7%, the average speed of the centre of pressure movement by 112.5%, and the range of horizontal body movement by 63.3%. It is important to note that the balance function quality indicator decreased during balancing by 37.1%, indicating a significant deterioration of the cadets’ stability during the platform tests. During the establishing of the relationship between static spatial stability and functional readiness, the obtained research results indicate that the heart rate results has an inverse medium correlation relationship with the balance function (r=-0.485). In addition, parameters of the average length of the RRNN indicator and Moda also have an inverse correlation with the balance function parameters (r=-0.469÷-0.408). On the other hand, parameters that indicate the activity of the sympathetic nervous system have a direct correlation with the balance function parameters (r=0.444÷0.453). This indicates the important influence of the heart rhythm and the activity of the sympathetic nervous system on the stability and the body’s reaction to physical activity. Our results indicate the complex nature of the relationship between the functional state of the cardiovascular system and static spatial stability of officer cadets, emphasizing the importance of not only the regulation of heart rhythm, but also the activity of the sympathetic nervous system to ensure stability during military operations.