Effects of Restricted Water Intake on Performance in a Cold Environment.
Abstract
Eighteen male subjects were housed for 10 days in an environmental chamber maintained at 70 F for the first 3 days and then lowered to -10 F for the next 5 days and maintained at 70 F for the last 2 days. Subjects received a standard ration containing 4500 kcal and either 1.5L (Group 1) or 3.0L (Group 2) of water per day beginning on the first cold day. All subjects were slightly dehydrated (2% BW) prior to cold exposure. After exposure, the weight loss for Group 1 was 3.49 + or - 0.35% BW (p < .05) while Group 2 regained most of their initial loss and was down only .14 + or - 0.35% BW. There was no significant difference in the groups' ability to perform endurance tests, but Group 1 showed a significant degree of hand cooling (p < .01). These data indicate that exercise can be performed satisfactorily even when subjects are not well hydrated, but their response to environmental conditions is adversely affected. The data further indicate that a person can function and remain hydrated on 3.OL water/day under severe conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA146904
Entities
People
- D. E. Roberts
- D. V. Tappan
- J. F. Patton
- J. W. Pennycook
- M. J. Jacey
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine