Effects of Hypohydration or Cold Exposure and Restricted Fluid Intake Upon Cognitive Performance
Abstract
The effects of initial hydration state upon cognitive performance during cold exposure are examined. Five tests (Coding, Number Comparison, Computer Interaction, Pattern Comparison, and Grammatical Reasoning) were used to assess the cognitive performance of 36 male Marine volunteers. All subjects practiced the tests extensively the 3 days before the cold exposure. Each test was usually given 5 times per day for 4 minutes per administration. Computer Interaction was practiced 5 times per day for 7 minutes. Two groups of 18 subjects each were studied, 21 days apart, for 10 consecutive days. The second group of subjects was dehydrated by 2.5% of their body weight by severe fluid restriction and exercise-induced sweating the day before the cold exposure; the first group was normally-hydrated. All subjects spent 5 days in an environmental chamber where temperatures during the day were -23 to -25 C with 4 km/h winds and night conditions ranged from -4 to -10 C without wind. In the cold the subjects wore protective arctic uniforms; afterwards, recovery was evaluated for 27 hours. All cognitive assessment was interspersed with extensive physical work. Subjects exercised vigorously each day by walking, running, and pulling simulated loads on a treadmill. Hardware was worn during precold, cold, and recovery testing. The subjects' fluid intake was controlled and limited throughout the study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA174855
Entities
People
- D. E. Roberts
- D. M. Macdougall
- D. Tappan
- L. E. Banderet
- M. Jacey
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine