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Taggart SM, Girard O, Landers GJ, Ecker UKH, Wallman KE. A seasonal comparison of a 14-day swing on cognitive function and psycho-physiological responses in mine service workers. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2024; 117:104241. [PMID: 38354553 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2024.104241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
This study assessed the effect of season on cognitive function and psycho-physiological responses during a 14-day swing in mine-service workers. Cognitive function, thermal sensation and comfort, rating of perceived exertion, fatigue, hydration, core temperature and heart rate were assessed throughout a shift, on three separate days over a swing. Working memory and processing efficiency did not differ between seasons (p > 0.05), however counting and recall latencies improved throughout the swing (p < 0.05). Participants reported greater fatigue post-shift compared to pre-shift (p < 0.05). Thermal sensation, thermal comfort, and hydration were significantly elevated in summer compared to winter (p < 0.05). Specifically, workers were significantly/minimally dehydrated in summer/winter (urinary specific gravity = 1.025 ± 0.007/1.018 ± 0.007). Although cognitive function and thermal strain were not impaired in summer compared to winter, it is essential to reinforce worker's knowledge regarding hydration requirements. Additional education and/or incorporating scheduled rest breaks for hydration should be considered to ensure the health and safety of mine workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Taggart
- School of Human Sciences (Sport Science, Exercise and Health), The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Olivier Girard
- School of Human Sciences (Sport Science, Exercise and Health), The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Grant J Landers
- School of Human Sciences (Sport Science, Exercise and Health), The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Ullrich K H Ecker
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Karen E Wallman
- School of Human Sciences (Sport Science, Exercise and Health), The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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Li J, Wang Y, Jiang R, Li J. Quantifying self-contained breathing apparatus on physiology and psychological responses during firefighting: a systematic review and meta-analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2023; 29:77-89. [PMID: 34983320 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2021.2024020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. There is no consensus regarding the efficacy of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) on firefighters' physiological and psychological stress responses. This study synthesized and quantified the psycho-physiological demands placed on firefighters wearing SCBA compared to a control group. Methods. Five databases were searched with English-language restrictions from inception to January 2021. As dependent variables, physiological (rectal temperature [Tre], mean skin temperature [T¯sk], heart rate [HR], maximal heart rate [HRmax], maximum oxygen uptake [VO2max], total sweat rate [TSR]) and psychological (rating of perceived exertion [RPE] and thermal sensation [TS]) responses were continuously collected. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021228363). Results. Nine eligible studies with 289 participants met the inclusion criteria. The pooled estimates for VO2max statistically significantly decreased, whereas T¯sk, HR, HRmax, TSR and RPE increased significantly. Additionally, the Tre and TS parameters were elevated but not significant. Subgroup analysis revealed that, except for VO2max and TSR, the SCBA weight did not differ significantly between groups on any outcome measure. Conclusions. Our meta-analysis indicates that wearing SCBA elicits thermoregulatory, metabolic and psychological stress. However, this is not primarily explained by the weight of SCBA, highlighting the value of ergonomic design and physiological monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunyi Wang
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, People's Republic of China.,Ministry of Education, Donghua University, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongfan Jiang
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, People's Republic of China.,Ministry of Education, Donghua University, People's Republic of China
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Williams-Bell FM, Aisbett B, Murphy BA, Larsen B. The Effects of Simulated Wildland Firefighting Tasks on Core Temperature and Cognitive Function under Very Hot Conditions. Front Physiol 2017; 8:815. [PMID: 29114230 PMCID: PMC5660853 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The severity of wildland fires is increasing due to continually hotter and drier summers. Firefighters are required to make life altering decisions on the fireground, which requires analytical thinking, problem solving, and situational awareness. This study aimed to determine the effects of very hot (45°C; HOT) conditions on cognitive function following periods of simulated wildfire suppression work when compared to a temperate environment (18°C; CON). Methods: Ten male volunteer firefighters intermittently performed a simulated fireground task for 3 h in both the CON and HOT environments, with cognitive function tests (paired associates learning and spatial span) assessed at baseline (cog 1) and during the final 20-min of each hour (cog 2, 3, and 4). Reaction time was also assessed at cog 1 and cog 4. Pre- and post- body mass were recorded, and core and skin temperature were measured continuously throughout the protocol. Results: There were no differences between the CON and HOT trials for any of the cognitive assessments, regardless of complexity. While core temperature reached 38.7°C in the HOT (compared to only 37.5°C in the CON; p < 0.01), core temperature declined during the cognitive assessments in both conditions (at a rate of -0.15 ± 0.20°C·hr-1 and -0.63 ± 0.12°C·hr-1 in the HOT and CON trial respectively). Firefighters also maintained their pre-exercise body mass in both conditions, indicating euhydration. Conclusions: It is likely that this maintenance of euhydration and the relative drop in core temperature experienced between physical work bouts was responsible for the preservation of firefighters' cognitive function in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Michael Williams-Bell
- School of Health and Community Services, Durham College, Oshawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Brad Aisbett
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Bernadette A. Murphy
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Brianna Larsen
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
- Griffith Sports Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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The Impact of Heat Exposure and Sleep Restriction on Firefighters' Work Performance and Physiology during Simulated Wildfire Suppression. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14020180. [PMID: 28208688 PMCID: PMC5334734 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14020180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to examine the effects of ambient heat on firefighters' physical task performance, and physiological and perceptual responses when sleep restricted during simulated wildfire conditions. Thirty firefighters were randomly allocated to the sleep restricted (n = 17, SR; 19 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity) or hot and sleep restricted (n = 13, HOT + SR; 33 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity) condition. Firefighters performed two days of simulated, intermittent, self-paced work circuits comprising six firefighting tasks. Heart rate, and core temperature were measured continuously. After each task, firefighters reported their rating of perceived exertion and thermal sensation. Effort sensation was also reported after each work circuit. Fluids were consumed ad libitum. Urine volume and urine specific gravity were analysed. Sleep was monitored using polysomnography. There were no differences between the SR and HOT + SR groups in firefighters' physiological responses, hydration status, ratings of perceived exertion, motivation, and four of the six firefighting tasks (charged hose advance, rake, hose rolling, static hose hold). Black out hose and lateral repositioning were adversely affected in the HOT + SR group. Working in hot conditions did not appear to consistently impair firefighters work performance, physiology, and perceptual responses. Future research should determine whether such findings remain true when individual tasks are performed over longer durations.
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Larsen B, Snow R, Williams-Bell M, Aisbett B. Simulated Firefighting Task Performance and Physiology Under Very Hot Conditions. Front Physiol 2015; 6:322. [PMID: 26617527 PMCID: PMC4637425 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the impact of very hot (45°C) conditions on the performance of, and physiological responses to, a simulated firefighting manual-handling task compared to the same work in a temperate environment (18°C). METHODS Ten male volunteer firefighters performed a 3-h protocol in both 18°C (CON) and 45°C (VH). Participants intermittently performed 12 × 1-min bouts of raking, 6 × 8-min bouts of low-intensity stepping, and 6 × 20-min rest periods. The area cleared during the raking task determined work performance. Core temperature, skin temperature, and heart rate were measured continuously. Participants also periodically rated their perceived exertion (RPE) and thermal sensation. Firefighters consumed water ad libitum. Urine specific gravity (USG) and changes in body mass determined hydration status. RESULTS Firefighters raked 19% less debris during the VH condition. Core and skin temperature were 0.99 ± 0.20 and 5.45 ± 0.53°C higher, respectively, during the VH trial, and heart rate was 14-36 beats.min(-1) higher in the VH trial. Firefighters consumed 2950 ± 1034 mL of water in the VH condition, compared to 1290 ± 525 in the CON trial. Sweat losses were higher in the VH (1886 ± 474 mL) compared to the CON trial (462 ± 392 mL), though both groups were hydrated upon protocol completion (USG < 1.020). Participants' average RPE was higher in the VH (15.6 ± 0.9) compared to the CON trial (12.6 ± 0.9). Similarly, the firefighers' thermal sensation scores were significantly higher in the VH (6.4 ± 0.5) compared to the CON trial (4.4 ± 0.4). CONCLUSIONS Despite the decreased work output and aggressive fluid replacement observed in the VH trial, firefighters' experienced increases in thermal stress, and exertion. Fire agencies should prioritize the health and safety of fire personnel in very hot temperatures, and consider the impact of reduced productivity on fire suppression efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Larsen
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Deakin UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rod Snow
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Deakin UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Deakin UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael Williams-Bell
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of TechnologyOshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Brad Aisbett
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Deakin UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Deakin UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia
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Larsen B, Snow R, Aisbett B. Effect of heat on firefighters' work performance and physiology. J Therm Biol 2015; 53:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Larsen B, Snow R, Vincent G, Tran J, Wolkow A, Aisbett B. Multiple Days of Heat Exposure on Firefighters' Work Performance and Physiology. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136413. [PMID: 26379284 PMCID: PMC4574983 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assessed the accumulated effect of ambient heat on the performance of, and physiological and perceptual responses to, intermittent, simulated wildfire fighting tasks over three consecutive days. Firefighters (n = 36) were matched and allocated to either the CON (19°C) or HOT (33°C) condition. They performed three days of intermittent, self-paced simulated firefighting work, interspersed with physiological testing. Task repetitions were counted (and converted to distance or area) to determine work performance. Participants were asked to rate their perceived exertion and thermal sensation after each task. Heart rate, core temperature (Tc), and skin temperature (Tsk) were recorded continuously throughout the simulation. Fluids were consumed ad libitum. Urine volume was measured throughout, and urine specific gravity (USG) analysed, to estimate hydration. All food and fluid consumption was recorded. There was no difference in work output between experimental conditions. However, significant variation in performance responses between individuals was observed. All measures of thermal stress were elevated in the HOT, with core and skin temperature reaching, on average, 0.24 ± 0.08°C and 2.81 ± 0.20°C higher than the CON group. Participants' doubled their fluid intake in the HOT condition, and this was reflected in the USG scores, where the HOT participants reported significantly lower values. Heart rate was comparable between conditions at nearly all time points, however the peak heart rate reached each circuit was 7 ± 3% higher in the CON trial. Likewise, RPE was slightly elevated in the CON trial for the majority of tasks. Participants' work output was comparable between the CON and HOT conditions, however the performance change over time varied significantly between individuals. It is likely that the increased fluid replacement in the heat, in concert with frequent rest breaks and task rotation, assisted with the regulation of physiological responses (e.g., heart rate, core temperature).
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Larsen
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research (C-PAN), Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
- Bushfire Co-Operative Research Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rod Snow
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research (C-PAN), Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Grace Vincent
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research (C-PAN), Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
- Bushfire Co-Operative Research Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Tran
- Centre for Exercise and Sports Science, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexander Wolkow
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research (C-PAN), Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
- Bushfire Co-Operative Research Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brad Aisbett
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research (C-PAN), Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
- Bushfire Co-Operative Research Centre, Melbourne, Australia
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Bruce-Low SS, Cotterrell D, Jones GE. Effect of wearing personal protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus on heart rate, temperature and oxygen consumption during stepping exercise and live fire training exercises. ERGONOMICS 2007; 50:80-98. [PMID: 17178653 DOI: 10.1080/00140130600980912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Fire fighter breathing apparatus instructors (BAIs) must possess the ability to respond to both the extrinsic stress of a high temperature environment and the intrinsic stress from wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), repeatedly and regularly, whilst training recruits in live fire training exercises (LFTEs). There are few previous investigations on BAIs in hot environments such as LFTEs, since the main research focus has been on regular fire fighters undertaking exercises in temperate or fire conditions at a moderate to high exercise intensity. In this study, the intrinsic cardiovascular stress effects of wearing PPE + SCBA were first investigated using a step test whilst wearing gym kit (control), weighted gym kit (a rucksack weighted to the equivalent of PPE + SCBA) and full PPE + SCBA (weight plus the effects of protective clothing). The extrinsic effects of the very hot environment were investigated in BIAs in LFTEs compared to mock fire training exercises (MFTEs), where the fire was not ignited. There was an increase in heart rate due to the modest workload imposed on the BAIs through carrying out the MFTEs (25.0 (18.7)%) compared to resting. However, when exposed to fire during the LFTEs, heat storage appears to be significant as the heart rate increased by up to 39.8 (+/-20.1)% over that of the mock LFTEs at temperate conditions. Thus, being able to dissipate heat from the PPE is particularly important in reducing the cardiovascular responses for BAIs during LFTEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Bruce-Low
- Sport & Exercise Sciences Department, Southampton Solent University, Southampton, SO14 0YN, UK.
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Johnson AT, Scott WH, Coyne KM, Sahota MS, Benjamin MB, Rhea PL, Martel GF, Dooly CR. Sweat rate inside a full-facepiece respirator. AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE ASSOCIATION JOURNAL 1997; 58:881-4. [PMID: 9425649 DOI: 10.1080/15428119791012225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of sweat inside a full-facepiece respirator mask and the rise in facial skin temperature can be important factors for acceptability of respirators worn in the heat. This study questioned how much sweat would have to be removed from a respirator (if a design to remove accumulated sweat were possible). Results from 20 subjects sitting in a warm, humid environment (35 degrees C and 90% relative humidity) for 90 minutes indicated that the average value was about 0.203 g sweat/min from the face, head, and neck, with most of that coming from the neck region. Men were found to have higher sweating rates than women. The results indicate that a large amount of sweat could accumulate inside the mask over a typical 8-hour day. Average facial skin temperature was found to rise about 2 degrees C over the 90-minutes test, and this rise could likely be the cause of the very uncomfortable rating given to the respirator.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Johnson
- Biological Resources Engineering Department, University of Maryland, College Park 20742-5711, USA
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