Body Water Homeostasis and Human Performance in High Heat Environments: Fluid Hydration Recommendations for Operation Desert Storm
Abstract
Sustained operations during high heat temperatures increases the risk of heat illness. This risk can be lessened so that degradation in human performance does not impact substantially on military operations. Military personnel should obtain adequate heat acclimatization prior to moderate or heavy workloads, maintain strict fluid fluid and food intake schedules, and alter workload to relative changes in air temperature. These factors will assist in maintaining body fluid balance. Prior to prolonged heat exposure, emphasis should be placed on achieving high aerobic fitness, becoming fully heat acclimated, and learning correct fluid hydration procedures. This will assist in greater physical performance at a lower core temperature in heat. These physiological benefits are ineffective during exposure to heat when individuals become dehydrated. Forced fluid hydration schedules will ensure that fluid intake will match fluid loss as sweat, thereby preventing the negative physiological effects of dehydration. Hydration, Fluid Regulation, Heat Physiology (Stress), Humans.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA248180
Entities
People
- B. L. Bennett
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center