Physiological and cognitive function when auxiliary cooling is used during an exercising heat stress
RIS ID
19973
Abstract
When exposed to environmental heat stress, one’s ability to perform physical and mental tasks can be compromised. In relation to a helicopter pilot, a slight decrement in flight performance can result in devastating consequences. Previously, Froom et al. (1993) found environmental heat stress elevated pilot error, whilst Caldwell et al. (2005) have described impaired flight simulator performance during progressive hyperthermia. Such changes can reflect reduced cognitive function, and Faerevik and Reinertsen (2003) have shown that heat stress can contribute to deficits in both vigilance and multi-choice reaction time. Presumably, the use of biological and chemical (BC) protective clothing will exacerbate this state.
Publication Details
Caldwell, J. N. & Taylor, N. A. S. Physiological and cognitive function when auxiliary cooling is used during an exercising heat stress. In: Mekjavic, I. B., Kounalakis, S. N. & Taylor, N. A. S. editors. Environmental Ergonomics XII. Proceedings of the Twelfth International Conference on Environmental Ergonomics; Ljubljana, Slovenia: Biomed d.o.o.; 2007. 399-402.