THE EFFECT OF AMBIENT AND BODY TEMPERATURES UPON REACTION TIME

Abstract

Studies of reaction time are reported for temperatures from -50 degrees to +117 degrees F. The following conclusions apply to simple discrimination and to choice reaction times within the range of conditions examined. The conclusions should not be applied to speed of other performances. (a) Reaction time does not vary significantly with low ambient temperatures provided the body generally and the responding member in particular are properly protected. (b) During exposures for several days to temperatures as low as -20 degrees F, clothing can adequately protect the body without interfering significantly with the speed of the simple reaction. (c) For periods of about an hour, current-type clothing affords adequate protection against ambient temperatures as low as -50 degrees F. (d) Conditions which may reduce strength and dexterity of movement may leave reaction time unchanged. (e) Reaction time does not vary significantly with high ambient temperatures up to +117 degrees F provided the wet bulb temperature does not exceed about 86 degrees F.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 15, 1948
Accession Number
AD0657481

Entities

People

  • George Forlano

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Cooled
  • Aircrafts
  • Body Temperature
  • Climate Change
  • Cooling
  • Diurnal Variations
  • Environment
  • High Altitude
  • High Temperature
  • Humidity
  • Low Temperature
  • Measurement
  • Motor Skills
  • Observation
  • Posture (Physiology)
  • Reaction Time
  • Wet Bulb Temperature

Readers

  • Economics
  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics