Resumen:
The study of psychophysiological responses of soldiers in combat situations remains a challenge,
especially in melee combat—a close proximity unarmed fight—defined by high unpredictability.
Gaining knowledge about psychophysiological changes in high‐stress situations is required to
optimise training. This study aimed to analyse modifications in autonomic modulation, cortical
arousal, heart rate, muscle strength, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion
of veteran soldiers in a melee combat simulation. Twenty veteran soldiers were analysed before
and after a melee combat simulation in accordance with realistic situations that occur in actual
operations areas. The simulation consisted of actions performed by a binomial unit in a security
and protection mission in an operations area. The melee combat caused an increase in
sympathetic modulation, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, muscle strength, a decreased
tendency in cortical arousal, and a lower rating of perceived exertion than the organic response
measured. An intense fight–flight response was observed in soldiers by the limbic system
activation, causing a misinterpretation of perceived exertion. Finally,...