Studies of Neural and Cognitive Function in Subjects Exposed to the Marine-Air Interface. Phase 1 and 2
Abstract
In Phase I the effects of cold air (c), water (w), fatigue (f), and exercise (e) on physiological and psychological performance, and the effectiveness of several techniques for the suppression of shivering were investigated in 15 male subjects. Cold exposure was determined to be the most significant factor in reducing performance, causing significant reductions (p < or = 0.05) in skin and rectal temperatures, temperature perceptions, shooting performance, grip strength, and dexterity both alone or when combined with any or all other factors. Cognitive performance, however was highest in the c/w/e/f, control, and c conditions, with the overall scores in the c/w, c/w/f and c/w/e conditions significantly lower than control and c/w/e/f. Shivering gradually increased throughout exposure in cold conditions but was delayed in conditions which included exercise. Rectal temperatures increased during exercise, but later fell to the same level as in the non-exercise conditions. After 2+ hours of exposure 4 shiver-suppression techniques were applied: voluntary relaxation (R), breath holding (B), mental arithmetic (M), and warm water ingestion (W). Shivering was significantly suppressed by R, B, and M.In Phase II analysis of evoked potentials and reaction times during central and peripheral cooling indicated that cooling methods have differing effects on physiological and physical function.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 26, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA272282
Entities
People
- Lorentz E. Wittmers Jr.
- Richard G. Hoffman
Organizations
- University of Minnesota Duluth