Cognitive performance improvement in Canadian Armed Forces personnel during deployment

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic stress can decrease resilience and diminish cognitive adaptability; thus, operational stressors related to military deployment can pose significant risks to cognitive functioning. Numerous studies have aimed to assess the effects of deployment on cognitive functioning on the basis of cognitive performance measures administered before and after deployment. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have measured neurocognitive performance of military personnel while they were deployed to a combat zone. Methods: Canadian Armed Forces military troops ( N = 85) were tested during pre-deployment training and during deployment in Afghanistan. At both time points, the participants completed a detailed demographic form and performed touch-screen neurocognitive tests using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). The CANTAB measurements included executive function (Attention Switching Task [AST] and Spatial Working Memory [SWM] test), decision making and response control (Stop Signal Task [SST]), and attention (Reaction Time [RTI] test). Two-tailed, paired t-tests were used to compare pre-deployment and deployment CANTAB results. Results: On average, all participants significantly improved their performance on all neurocognitive tests during deployment compared with pre-deployment. At both pre-deployment and deployment time points, the participants demonstrated excellent performance on the AST and RTI test and less-than-optimal performance on the SWM test and SST. Discussion: The influence of training, social factors, and emotional status, among many others, on cognitive adaptability should be taken into account to fully understand soldiers’ capability to improve and maintain high cognitive functioning during deployment.