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Wallace PJ, Gagnon DD, Hartley GL, Taber MJ, Cheung SS. Effects of skin and mild core cooling on cognitive function in cold air in men. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15893. [PMID: 38114071 PMCID: PMC10730300 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This study tested the effects of skin and core cooling on cognitive function in 0°C cold air. Ten males completed a randomized, repeated measures study consisting of four environmental conditions: (i) 30 min of exposure to 22°C thermoneutral air (TN), (ii) 15 min to 0°C cold air which cooled skin temperature to ~27°C (CS), (iii) 0°C cold air exposure causing mild core cooling of ∆-0.3°C from baseline (C-0.3°C) and (iv) 0°C cold air exposure causing mild core cooling of ∆-0.8°C from baseline (C-0.8°C). Cognitive function (reaction time [ms] and errors made [#]) were tested using a simple reaction test, a two-six item working memory capacity task, and vertical flanker task to assess executive function. There were no condition effects (all p > 0.05) for number of errors made on any task. There were no significant differences in reaction time relative to TN for the vertical flanker and item working memory capacity task. However, simple reaction time was slower in C-0.3°C (297 ± 33 ms) and C-0.8°C (296 ± 41 ms) compared to CS (267 ± 26 ms) but not TN (274 ± 38). Despite small changes in simple reaction time (~30 ms), executive function and working memory was maintained in 0°C cold air with up to ∆-0.8°C reduction in core temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip J. Wallace
- Environmental Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of KinesiologyBrock UniversitySt. CatharinesOntarioCanada
| | - Dominique D. Gagnon
- Faculty of Sports and Health SciencesUniversity of JyväskyläJyväskyläFinland
- Clinic for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki MäkelänkatuHelsinkiFinland
- School of Kinesiology and Health SciencesLaurentian UniversitySudburyOntarioCanada
| | - Geoffrey L. Hartley
- Department of Physical and Health EducationNipissing UniversityNorth BayOntarioCanada
| | - Michael J. Taber
- Environmental Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of KinesiologyBrock UniversitySt. CatharinesOntarioCanada
- NM Consulting Inc.St. CatharinesOntarioCanada
| | - Stephen S. Cheung
- Environmental Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of KinesiologyBrock UniversitySt. CatharinesOntarioCanada
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Briganti GL, Chesini G, Tarditi D, Serli D, Capodici A. Effects of cold water exposure on stress, cardiovascular, and psychological variables. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2023; 239:e14056. [PMID: 37840386 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Leonardo Briganti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Chesini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Tarditi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Serli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angelo Capodici
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Schultz Martins R, Wallace PJ, Steele SW, Scott JS, Taber MJ, Hartley GL, Cheung SS. The Clamping of End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Does Not Influence Cognitive Function Performance During Moderate Hyperthermia With or Without Skin Temperature Manipulation. Front Psychol 2021; 12:788027. [PMID: 35002880 PMCID: PMC8730541 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.788027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increases in body temperature from heat stress (i.e., hyperthermia) generally impairs cognitive function across a range of domains and complexities, but the relative contribution from skin versus core temperature changes remains unclear. Hyperthermia also elicits a hyperventilatory response that decreases the partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO2) and subsequently cerebral blood flow that may influence cognitive function. We studied the role of skin and core temperature along with PetCO2 on cognitive function across a range of domains. Eleven males completed a randomized, single-blinded protocol consisting of poikilocapnia (POIKI, no PetCO2 control) or isocapnia (ISO, PetCO2 maintained at baseline levels) during passive heating using a water-perfused suit (water temperature ~ 49°C) while middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) was measured continuously as an index of cerebral blood flow. Cognitive testing was completed at baseline, neutral core-hot skin (37.0 ± 0.2°C-37.4 ± 0.3°C), hot core-hot skin (38.6 ± 0.3°C-38.7 ± 0.2°C), and hot core-cooled skin (38.5 ± 0.3°C-34.7 ± 0.6°C). The cognitive test battery consisted of a detection task (psychomotor processing), 2-back task (working memory), set-shifting and Groton Maze Learning Task (executive function). At hot core-hot skin, poikilocapnia led to significant (both p < 0.05) decreases in PetCO2 (∆−21%) and MCAv (∆−26%) from baseline, while isocapnia clamped PetCO2 (∆ + 4% from baseline) leading to a significantly (p = 0.023) higher MCAv (∆−18% from baseline) compared to poikilocapnia. There were no significant differences in errors made on any task (all p > 0.05) irrespective of skin temperature or PetCO2 manipulation. We conclude that neither skin temperature nor PetCO2 maintenance significantly alter cognitive function during passive hyperthermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Schultz Martins
- Environmental Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Phillip J. Wallace
- Environmental Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Scott W. Steele
- Environmental Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Jake S. Scott
- Environmental Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Michael J. Taber
- Environmental Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
- NM Consulting Inc., St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Geoffrey L. Hartley
- Department of Physical and Health Education, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen S. Cheung
- Environmental Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Stephen S. Cheung,
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Sepehri S, Aliabadi M, Golmohammadi R, Babamiri M. Human cognitive functions and psycho-physiological responses under low thermal conditions in a simulated office environment. Work 2021; 69:197-207. [PMID: 33998583 DOI: 10.3233/wor-213469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In office environments, thermal comfort is one of the most significant factor affecting employees' performance. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the effects of exposure to low air temperatures on human cognitive performance, physiological responses, and thermal perceptions during mental work. METHODS Twenty-four volunteers with an age range of 18-30 years participated in this study. The subjects were exposed to four different air temperatures (10, 14, 18, and 22°C) in a climate chamber based on a within-subject design. The n-back, CPT, and PVT tests were employed to evaluate some basic aspects of cognitive performance. Body physiological responses and the subjective thermal comfort were also measured. RESULTS When the thermal condition deviated from relatively neutral temperature, the subjects' cognitive responses significantly disturbed (P < 0.05), such that the response accuracy was more affected by reduction of air temperature. The blood pressures and heart rate, galvanic skin response, and respiration rate increased as the air temperature decreased (P < 0.05), such that the galvanic skin response as a stress indicator was more affected. In the test configurations, as a result of decrease in air temperature of 1°C, the finger and body skin temperatures reduced to 0.74°C and 0.25°C, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The findings confirmed that low thermal condition can considerably affect cognitive performance and physiological responses during some office work tasks. The subjects' thermal comfort votes proposed that air temperature lower than 14 °C can be intolerable for employees during routine mental work. It is suggested that personalized conditioning systems should be used to provide individual thermal comfort in moderate cold air conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Sepehri
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Aliabadi
- Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Rostam Golmohammadi
- Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Babamiri
- Department of Ergonomics, School of Public Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Cold-related symptoms and performance degradation among Thai poultry industry workers with reference to vulnerable groups: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1357. [PMID: 32887559 PMCID: PMC7487455 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09272-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have examined cold-related symptoms among cold workplace workers in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cold-related cardiorespiratory, circulatory, and general symptoms and performance degradation among Thai chicken industry workers and identify vulnerable groups. Methods Overall, 422 workers aged from 18 to 57 years at four chicken meat factories in Thailand were interviewed for cold-related symptoms and complaints. The results were expressed in terms of model-based adjusted prevalence and prevalence differences (PDs) in percentage points (pp) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results In total, 76.1% of the respondents reported cold-related respiratory symptoms, 24.6% reported cardiac symptoms, 68.6% reported circulatory symptoms, and 72.1% reported general symptoms. In addition, 82.7% of the respondents reported performance degradation. Cold-related respiratory symptoms increased by PD 29.0 pp. (95% CI 23.4–34.6) from the lowest to the highest educational group, with a similar pattern observed in performance degradation. Forklift drivers and storage and manufacturing workers complained of cold-related respiratory symptoms more than office staff (PD 22.1 pp., 95% CI 12.8–31.3; 12.0 pp., 95% CI 2.4–21.6; and 17.5 pp., 95% CI 11.5–23.6, respectively); they also reported more performance degradation (PD 24.1 pp., 95% CI 17.0–31.2; 19.8 pp., 95% CI 14.1–25.6; and 14.8 pp., 95% CI 8.0–22.6, respectively). Weekly alcohol consumers reported more performance problems owing to cold (PD 18.2 pp., 95% CI 13.9–22.6) than non-consumers of alcohol. Cardiac and circulation symptoms were more common in women than men (PD 10.0 pp., 95% CI 1.1–18.9; and 8.4 pp., 95% CI 0.5–16.4, respectively). The age trend in performance issues was curved, with the highest prevalence among those aged 35–44 years, while the oldest workers (45–57 years) perceived less cold-related symptoms, particularly thirst. Conclusions Cold-related symptoms and performance degradation were found to be common in this industry, with vulnerable groups comprising of highly educated workers, forklift drivers, storage and manufacturing workers, weekly alcohol consumers, aging workers, and women. The results demonstrate a need for further research on the adequacy of protection provided against the cold, particularly given that global warming will increase the contrast between cold workplaces and outdoor heat.
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Zlatar T, Torres Costa J, Vaz M, Santos Baptista J. Influence of severe cold thermal environment on core and skin temperatures: A systematic review. Work 2019; 62:337-352. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-192868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tomi Zlatar
- Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics (LAETA), University of Porto, Portugal
| | - José Torres Costa
- Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics (LAETA), University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Vaz
- Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics (LAETA), University of Porto, Portugal
| | - João Santos Baptista
- Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics (LAETA), University of Porto, Portugal
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Morris DM, Pilcher JJ, Powell RB. Task-dependent cold stress during expeditions in Antarctic environments. Int J Circumpolar Health 2018; 76:1379306. [PMID: 28990466 PMCID: PMC5645765 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2017.1379306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study seeks to understand the degree of body cooling, cold perception and physical discomfort during Antarctic tour excursions. Eight experienced expedition leaders across three Antarctic cruise voyages were monitored during occupational tasks: kayaking, snorkelling and zodiac outings. Subjective cold perception and discomfort were recorded using a thermal comfort assessment and skin temperature was recorded using a portable data logger. Indoor cabin temperature and outdoor temperature with wind velocity were used as measures of environmental stress. Physical activity level and clothing insulation were estimated using previous literature. Tour leaders experienced a 6°C (2°C wind chill) environment for an average of 6 hours each day. Leaders involved in kayaking reported feeling colder and more uncomfortable than other leaders, but zodiac leaders showed greater skin temperature cooling. Occupational experience did not predict body cooling or cold stress perception. These findings indicate that occupational cold stress varies by activity and measurement methodology. The current study effectively used objective and subjective measures of cold-stress to identify factors which can contribute to risk in the Antarctic tourism industry. Results suggest that the type of activity may moderate risk of hypothermia, but not discomfort, potentially putting individuals at risk for cognitive related mistakes and cold injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew M Morris
- a Department of Psychology , Clemson University , Clemson , SC , USA
| | - June J Pilcher
- a Department of Psychology , Clemson University , Clemson , SC , USA
| | - Robert B Powell
- b Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management ; Clemson University , Clemson , SC , USA
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Sixtus RP, Galland BC, Cotter JD. Foot cooling does not improve vigilance but may transiently reduce sleepiness. J Sleep Res 2018; 28:e12701. [PMID: 29749043 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.12701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Temperature of the skin (TSk ) and core (TC ) play key roles in sleep-wake regulation. The diurnal combination of low TSk and high TC facilitates alertness, whereas the transition to high TSk and low TC correlates with sleepiness. Sleepiness and deteriorating vigilance are induced with peripheral warming, whereas peripheral cooling appears to transiently improve vigilance in narcolepsy. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that foot cooling would maintain vigilance during extended wakefulness in healthy adults. Nine healthy young adult participants with habitually normal sleep completed three constant-routine trials in randomized crossover order. Trials began at 22:30 hours, and involved continuous mild foot cooling (30°C), moderate foot cooling (25°C) or no foot cooling, while undertaking six × 10-min Psychomotor Vigilance Tasks and seven × 7-min Karolinska Drowsiness Tasks, interspersed with questionnaires of sleepiness and thermal perceptions. Foot temperatures in control, mild and moderate cooling averaged 34.5 ± 0.5°C, 30.8 ± 0.2°C and 26.4 ± 0.1°C (all p < .01), while upper-limb temperatures remained stable (34-35°C) and TC declined (approximately -0.12°C per hr) regardless of trial (p = .84). Foot cooling did not improve vigilance (repeated-measures-ANOVA interaction for response speed: p = .45), but transiently reduced subjective sleepiness (-0.8 ± 0.8; p = .004). Participants felt cooler throughout cooling trials, but thermal comfort was unaffected (p = .43), as were almost all Karolinska Drowsiness Tasks' encephalographic parameters. In conclusion, mild or moderate cooling of the feet did not attenuate declines in vigilance or core temperature of healthy young adults during the period of normal sleep onset and early sleep, and any effect on sleepiness was small and transient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Sixtus
- School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Division of Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Barbara C Galland
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - James D Cotter
- School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Division of Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Physiological activity in calm thermal indoor environments. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11519. [PMID: 28912456 PMCID: PMC5599655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11755-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoor environmental comfort has previously been quantified based on the subjective assessment of thermal physical parameters, such as temperature, humidity, and airflow velocity. However, the relationship of these parameters to brain activity remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of airflow on brain activity using electroencephalograms (EEG) of participants in a living environment under different airflow conditions. Before the recording, the room was set to a standardised air temperature and humidity. During the recording, each participant was required to perform a simple time-perception task that involved pressing buttons after estimating a 10-second interval. Cooling and heating experiments were conducted in summer and winter, respectively. A frequency analysis of the EEGs revealed that gamma and beta activities showed lower amplitudes under conditions without airflow than with airflow, regardless of the season (i.e., cooling or heating). Our results reveal new neurophysiological markers of the response to airflow sensation. Further, based on the literature linking gamma and beta waves to less anxious states in calm environments, we suggest that airflow may alter the feelings of the participants.
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The cold driver: Cold stress while driving results in dangerous behavior. Biol Psychol 2016; 120:149-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2016.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Sleep, vigilance, and thermosensitivity. Pflugers Arch 2011; 463:169-76. [PMID: 22048563 PMCID: PMC3256315 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-011-1042-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 10/09/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of sleep and wakefulness is well modeled with two underlying processes: a circadian and a homeostatic one. So far, the parameters and mechanisms of additional sleep-permissive and wake-promoting conditions have been largely overlooked. The present overview focuses on one of these conditions: the effect of skin temperature on the onset and maintenance of sleep, and alertness. Skin temperature is quite well suited to provide the brain with information on sleep-permissive and wake-promoting conditions because it changes with most if not all of them. Skin temperature changes with environmental heat and cold, but also with posture, environmental light, danger, nutritional status, pain, and stress. Its effect on the brain may thus moderate the efficacy by which the clock and homeostat manage to initiate or maintain sleep or wakefulness. The review provides a brief overview of the neuroanatomical pathways and physiological mechanisms by which skin temperature can affect the regulation of sleep and vigilance. In addition, current pitfalls and possibilities of practical applications for sleep enhancement are discussed, including the recent finding of impaired thermal comfort perception in insomniacs.
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Mood and selective attention in the cold: the effect of interval versus continuous exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol 2010; 111:1321-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-010-1759-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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