Sex-Dependent Effects of Extreme Temperature Exposures in Rats and Evaluation of tDCS as a Countermeasure
Abstract
This study assessed the possibility of using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a mitigating factor against the adverse effects of extreme temperature exposures. Extreme temperatures were chosen as our initial stressors because they are often faced by our Service Members (SMs) and because there are well-documented differences in how men and women respond to acute and prolonged cold and heat. SMs can be deployed to places such as the western Himalayas where winter temperature ranges from -35 to -55 deg C and summer temperature reaching as high as 40 deg C in Afghanistan. Prolonged exposure to heat and/or cold can have negative impact on cognition and thus mission success. Heat related injuries have been documented in the military among service members deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan (Armed-Forces-Health-Surveillance-Branch, 2017). Cold weather injuries have also been documented in the military (Armed Forces Health Surveillance, 2020). Non-invasive brain stimulation such as tDCS can help maintain the psychological and physical fitness of military personnel during these harsh conditions which is of utmost importance in ensuring optimal performance and health of our troops as well as success of their missions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1156057
Entities
People
- Candice Hatcher-Solis
- Joyce G. Rohan
- Molly K. Miklasevich
- Nathan M. Gargas
- Raquel J. Moore
- Shawn M. Mcinturf
- Victoria T. Ethridge
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton