Assessment of body resonse on integral health indicators in seafarers at sea: cohort study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. To assess the influence of sea habitat conditions on a vessel on military seamen’s health according to integral health indicators using a computer program. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Before going to sea and after returning to the base there were measurements of weight and body length, chest circumference, lung capacity, leading hand strength, heart rate, systolic and diastolic pressure at rest, after the load and recovery period (Martinet test) as well as blood lymphocyte content. Physical development, nutritional status, index of functional changes, the state of general non-specific adaptive response and cognitive body functions were defined; integral health assessment was held using computer programs. RERESULTS. Initially 66,7% had increased nutrition, after returning – 62,0%; normal status - 37,0% and 40,7%, excessive nutrition – 48,1% and 44,4%, obesity of 1st degree – 11,1% and obesity of 2nd degree – 3,7%. The proportion of seafarers with physical development above average decreased by 18,5%, adaptive response - by 7,1% (р=0,001) and body functionality - by 11,5% (р=0,006). Cognitive mental functions did not change. Standard of health decreased by 16,7% (р=0,001). DISCUSSION. There was confirmed negative impact of living conditions on seafarers’ health. Somatometric and physiometric indices showed negative tendencies in physical development and functionality, nonspecific adaptive body response. Stress test revealed the deterioration of aerobic capacity. CONCLUSION. The use of algorithm for assessing morphofunctional indicators, cognitive functions and lymphocyte content with computer processing of the results allows to evaluate the health in professional activities of seafarers.