Learning to prepare hauling systems for rope rescue

Abstract

Introduction: While there is a good understanding of how anxiety impacts skill performance, we understand less about how anxiety affects the learning process. We attempted to create an environment that caused anxiety by having people practice the skill of preparing rope rescue hauling systems (3:1 & 5:1) at height. Methods: Participants were assigned to a Low practice group, that completed training in a general classroom setting; and a High practice group, that trained at a 14m height. Retention tests, to assess learning, were completed one week after practice. All participants were tested on the hauling systems at an elevated height and in a classroom setting. A checklist of each element of the hauling systems was used to assess configuration performance error scores. Movement time (MT) of the preparation was recorded for each trial. Cognitive anxiety was examined through a Likert Scale delivered after each trial. Somatic anxiety was observed using a Zephyr Bioharness system, which measured heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). Results: Configuration performance during practice was lower for the High practice group compared to the Low practice group. Perceived anxiety decreased with practice. During retention, which reflected learning, perceived anxiety was higher for the low practice location (classroom) compared to the high practice (elevated) testing location. MT was longest for the complex 5:1 system when performing at height. Conclusion: The current study is one of the first studies to assess rope rescue skills and anxiety induced by different complexities and environments. Performance at height, when there are cognitive challenges (the difficulty associated with completing the 5:1 system) is impaired. However, training at height does not appear to influence this effect. As well, trainees should practice all complexities or specific skills that need to be learned multiple times.