Stress Physiology

We are engaged with an enemy for the "Long War." Recognizing the inherently stressful aspects of combat, we need training, education, selection and manpower assignment programs that benefit our warfighter, enhance unit cohesion and mental toughness in order to field and maintain resilient combat-ready Marines and Sailors. To provide this we have to understand warfighter’s individual response to combat stress.

The Stress Physiology Program strives to understand the critical biological mechanisms of stress vulnerability and stress resilience, obtain biomarkers for stress resilience, and identify new strategies for stress mitigation and individualized treatment of stress disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Program areas of interest include: combat stress mitigation, performance under sress, electromagnetic fields biological effects, acoustical fields biological effects, physiological monitoring, and affordable medical diagnostics. Program interests also include biophysical and molecular mechanisms of electromagnetic and acoustical fi elds’ biological effects; stress monitoring based on novel and affordable approaches, including molecular biomarkers; and novel and affordable approaches to internal injuries diagnostics.

The knowledge can be transitioned to provide genetic/molecular test batteries to identify stress susceptibility that can be used for personnel individualized training. Stress biomarkers can be used for performance assessments and training effectiveness. The knowledge can be used to produce active food additives that will boost performance. Pharmacological studies can be used to provide preventive medicines for stress mitigation. Ultimately it will improve human performance, increase retention rates, reduce casualties, and improve health of Navy and Marine Corps personnel.