Hypohydration Effects on Physical and Cognitive Performance in Cold Environments
Abstract
Persons exercising in cold weather can incur substantial fluid losses and are advised to maintain hydration to sustain performance. Body water deficits or hypohydration (HYP) in excess of 2% body mass impairs endurance exercise performance in hot and temperate environments and HYP may also degrade cognitive performance in hot-temperature conditions. However the extent to which these performance decrements occur in cold environments with HYP is unknown. This study investigated whether HYP degrades physical and cognitive performance during cold exposure and if physical exercise could mitigate any cold-induced cognitive performance decline. On four occasions, eight volunteers (6 men, 2 women) were exposed to 3 h of passive heat stress, with or without fluid replacement. Later in the day, volunteers sat in a cold or temperate environment for 1 hour before performing 30 min of cycle ergometry followed immediately by a 30-min performance time trial. Performance was assessed by the total amount of work completed during the 30-min performance time trial.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA507114
Entities
People
- Gina Adam
- John W Castellani
- Robert A. Carter
- Samuel N. Cheuvront
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine