Evaluation of Physiological and Psychological Impairment of Human Performance in Cold Stressed Subjects

Abstract

The data presented here deals with the physiological and psychological responses of man (13 subjects) to cold exposure (0 C) and added stresses. The additional stresses included cold water (15 C-mid thigh), sleep deprivation (24 hr) and exercise (70% maximum heart rate). Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were monitored throughout the experiments. Urinary catecholamine excretion was determined to estimate stress levels. Skin and rectal temperatures were continuously monitored to evaluate temperature regulation. EMG monitoring was used to study the onset, pattern and magnitude of shivering in seven muscle groups. Four methods for short term shiver suppression were evaluated under the five experimental protocols. The CCAB was used to evaluate cognitive function and the F.A.T.S. system was employed to evaluate rifle shooting performance. Shooting performance and cognitive function were not significantly affected by additional stressors. Keywords: Cold exposure; Stress; Shivering; Suppression of shivering; EMG; Cognitive function; Motor function; Cold water; Exercise; RA 3.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 23, 1990
Accession Number
ADA223635

Entities

People

  • L. E. Wittmers
  • Richard G. Hoffman

Organizations

  • University of Minnesota Duluth

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Blood
  • Brain
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Chemistry
  • Command And Control
  • Computers
  • Electrocardiography
  • Health Services
  • Measurement
  • Medical Personnel
  • Motor Skills
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Stress Tests
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Methods

Readers

  • Exercise and Sports Science.