Effects of Various Environmental Stressors on Cognitive Performance,
Abstract
Rigorous testing instruments and psychometric methods are required to assess the effects of enviromental stressors upon cognitive performance. This paper presents findings and illustrates our methodology for evaluating the effects of several types of environmental stressors. Various cognitive performances were investigated experimentally with paper and pencil tasks in repeated-measures paradigms for several high altitudes, altitude-treatment strategy, dehydration cold, atropine in a hot environment. Cognitive performances was to decreases in the rate of performance rather than increased errors, e.g. problem solving rates decreased linearly from 4500-7600 m (15,000 - 25,000) high altitude during a 40-day progressive exposure. Recovery of performance during 2 days at 4600 m depended upon the task; not all tasks improved fully. A treatment strategy (tyrosine) minimized altitude-induced performance impairments on some tasks. Our results suggest even well-practiced and overlearned tasks deteriorate with environmental stressors. Adequate stressor levels, enough subjects practiced tasks with demonstrated stability and sensitivity, appropriate time sampling, and the recruitment of maximum performance before experimentation are critical factors for our approach.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 27, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA177587
Entities
People
- B. L. Shukitt
- D. E. Roberts
- E. A. Crohn
- L. E. Banderet
- R. L. Burse
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine