RESILIENCE AT THE TIP OF THE SPEAR: IDENTIFYING THE MINDFULNESS PRESCRIPTION FOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES
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Authors
Butler, Kevin A.
Foss, Frank G.
Subjects
special operations
resiliency
stress
mindfulness
Oura
resiliency
stress
mindfulness
Oura
Advisors
Houck, Shannon C.
Date of Issue
2021-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
After 20 years of combat, continuous deployments have left special operations forces (SOF) searching for ways to improve their holistic health. One evidence-based avenue is mindfulness meditation, shown to decrease stress and improve performance. This research examined how mindfulness techniques affect SOF's ability to downregulate stress from routine, stress-inducing duties.
Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of informal mindfulness practice in reducing stress in SOF operators. Researchers assigned participants to 1 of 2 conditions: (a) an Oura ring-based mindfulness meditation five times a week for six weeks and (b) a no-treatment control group that also wore Oura rings but did not conduct mindfulness meditations.
At the beginning and end of the study, researchers measured stress utilizing a stress event that induced physiological and cognitive stress. Measurements of stress included blood pressure, subjective surveys, and heart rate variability. The experimental group displayed a 28-second decrease in time taken to return to baseline blood pressure levels than the control group's 15-second decrease. Additionally, subjective surveys suggested Oura rings to increase overall health. Data supports the efficacy of informal mindfulness as a practical, portable, and low-cost manner for SOF to improve holistic health across the force; however, research must continue to narrow the prescription.
Type
Thesis
Description
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Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Defense Analysis (DA)
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
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This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.