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Donnan KJ, Williams EL, Bargh MJ. The effectiveness of heat preparation and alleviation strategies for cognitive performance: A systematic review. Temperature (Austin) 2023; 10:404-433. [PMID: 38130656 PMCID: PMC10732620 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2022.2157645] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A range of occupational and performance contexts (e.g. military personnel operations, emergency services, sport) require the critical maintenance of cognitive performance in environmentally challenging environments. Several reviews exist which evaluate the effectiveness of heat preparation strategies to facilitate physical performance. To date, no review has explored the usefulness of heat preparation strategies for cognitive performance. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate a range of interventions for the maintenance of cognitive performance, during or following active or passive heat exposure. Studies to be included were assessed by two authors reviewing title, abstract, and full-text. Forty articles were identified which met the inclusion criteria. Interventions were categorised into chronic (i.e. acclimation/acclimatisation) and acute strategies (i.e. hydration, cooling, supplementation, psychological). The results indicate that medium-term consecutive heat acclimation may mitigate some cognitive deficits under heat stress, although heat acclimation effectiveness could be influenced by age. Further, pre-cooling appears the most effective cooling method for maintaining cognitive performance under heat stress, although results were somewhat ambiguous. The hydration literature showed that the most effective hydration strategies were those which individualised electrolyte fortified fluid volumes to match for sweat loss. Limited research exploring psychological interventions indicates that motivational self-talk could be facilitative for maintaining cognitive skills following exercise in hot conditions. These findings can be used to help inform strategies for maintaining critical cognitive and decision-making skills in hot environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate J. Donnan
- Department of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Emily L. Williams
- Centre for Human Performance, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, LS6 3QS, UK
| | - Melissa J. Bargh
- School of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Social Science of University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
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Zhao M, Zhao J, Yan J, Gao X. The Evaluation of Physiological Index Changes and Safety Work of Female Medical Staff With Different Medical Protection Standards in the Ward of COVID-19. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:906140. [PMID: 35814785 PMCID: PMC9256920 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.906140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Effective personal protective equipment (PPE) contribute to the prevention of COVID-19 infection. However, it is necessary to evaluate the potential risk of different medical protections in the isolation ward of COVID-19. Objectives We aimed to explore the dynamics in physiological indexes of medical staff under primary and secondary PPE in the isolation ward of COVID-19 and provide the scientific basis for determining the safe work strategy. Materials and Methods In this study, 30 female nurses were selected to simulate medical work under the primary or secondary PPE, respectively. The oral temperature, axillary temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, and blood pressure were measured and recorded every 20 min. The subjective adverse symptoms were recorded every 30 min. The blood glucose and weight of the individuals were measured and recorded before and after the trial. Results The results indicated that the median trial persistence time in the participants with moderate-intensity work wearing the secondary PPE (70.0 min) was much lower than that with moderate-intensity work wearing the primary PPE (180 min) and with light-intensity work wearing the primary PPE (110 min; p < 0.05). Importantly, the heart rate, oral/axillary temperature, and respiratory rate of physiological indexes of the participants under moderate-intensity work wearing the secondary PPE increased significantly faster than the primary PPE (p < 0.001), while blood oxygen saturation decreased significantly faster than the primary PPE (p < 0.001). In addition, the proportions of subjective adverse symptoms (such as dry mouth, dizziness, palpitations, and anhelation) were much higher than primary PPE (p < 0.001). The average sweat volume and blood glucose consumption of participants under moderate-intensity work wearing primary PPE were higher than secondary PPE (p < 0.001). Conclusion The combination of an exacerbated workload and secondary PPE worn by COVID-19 healthcare workers increases the change in physiological indicators, and in some cases the adverse symptoms, which can affect and even suspend their medical work. For any medical institution, there is room for improvement in terms of bioethics of a "Job Well Done" to reduce the risks of medical activities under secondary PPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fuzhou Pulmonary Hospital of Fujian, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jianhui Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junbing Yan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fuzhou Pulmonary Hospital of Fujian, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoye Gao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fuzhou Pulmonary Hospital of Fujian, Fuzhou, China
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Bongers CCWG, de Korte JQ, Zwartkruis M, Levels K, Kingma BRM, Eijsvogels TMH. Heat Strain and Use of Heat Mitigation Strategies among COVID-19 Healthcare Workers Wearing Personal Protective Equipment-A Retrospective Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031905. [PMID: 35162925 PMCID: PMC8834922 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The combination of an exacerbated workload and impermeable nature of the personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by COVID-19 healthcare workers increases heat strain. We aimed to compare the prevalence of heat strain symptoms before (routine care without PPE) versus during the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID-19 care with PPE), identify risk factors associated with experiencing heat strain, and evaluate the access to and use of heat mitigation strategies. Dutch healthcare workers (n = 791) working at COVID-19 wards for ≥1 week, completed an online questionnaire to assess personal characteristics, heat strain symptoms before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the access to and use of heat mitigation strategies. Healthcare workers experienced ~25× more often heat strain symptoms during medical duties with PPE (93% of healthcare workers) compared to without PPE (30% of healthcare workers; OR = 25.57 (95% CI = 18.17-35.98)). Female healthcare workers and those with an age <40 years were most affected by heat strain, whereas exposure time and sports activity level were not significantly associated with heat strain prevalence. Cold drinks and ice slurry ingestion were the most frequently used heat mitigation strategies and were available in 63.5% and 30.1% of participants, respectively. Our findings indicate that heat strain is a major challenge for COVID-19 healthcare workers, and heat mitigations strategies are often used to counteract heat strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coen C. W. G. Bongers
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leijdenlaan 15, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.C.W.G.B.); (J.Q.d.K.); (M.Z.)
| | - Johannus Q. de Korte
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leijdenlaan 15, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.C.W.G.B.); (J.Q.d.K.); (M.Z.)
| | - Mike Zwartkruis
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leijdenlaan 15, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.C.W.G.B.); (J.Q.d.K.); (M.Z.)
| | - Koen Levels
- Institute of Training Medicine and Training Physiology, TGTF, Royal Netherlands Army, Herculeslaan 1, 3584 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Boris R. M. Kingma
- Department of Human Performance, Unit Defence, Safety and Security, TNO, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Sciences, Kampweg 55, 3769 DE Soesterberg, The Netherlands;
- Department of Energy Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 19, 5612 AP Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs M. H. Eijsvogels
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leijdenlaan 15, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.C.W.G.B.); (J.Q.d.K.); (M.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-2436-13674
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Evaluating the effect of heat stress on cognitive performance of petrochemical workers: A field study. Heliyon 2022; 8:e08698. [PMID: 35028472 PMCID: PMC8741453 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Heat stress disrupts blood hormones and reduces workers' cognitive performance. To further shed light on the dysfunction of heat stress, the present study aimed to evaluate its effect on cognitive performance of petrochemical workers. Materials and methods This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 in one of the Iranian petrochemical companies. Participants were divided into 2 case groups and 1 control group. They worked 12 h and their shift entialed one week working day and one week working night. According to the ISO 7243 standard, the heat stress index of employees was measured at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the shift separately. Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and N-back cognitive performance tests were performed at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the shift to determine the level of cognitive performance. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20 and the significance level was set at 0.05. Results Comparison of the results in the continuous performance test showed significant differences between the three groups with regard to the omission error and response time at the end of the shift. Moreover, according to the working memory test, participants reaction time during the shift significantly increased. Besides, average correct responses significantly reduced during the shift. Finally, the heat stress throughout the shift had a significant effect on the commission error and the response time of individuals. Conclusion Heat stress affects people's cognitive performance in such a way that it can decrease their cognitive performance by increasing the commission error and response time and reducing the average correct response of site operators, generally reducing the cognitive performance of people at the end of the shift.
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Han YR, Yun JA, Jeong KS, Ahn YS, Choi KS. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and neurocognitive functioning in fire fighters: The mediating role of sleep problems and resilience. Compr Psychiatry 2021; 109:152250. [PMID: 34116367 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firefighters are often exposed to terrible and dangerous scenes due to their duties, and thus have a high risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD). The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between PTSD symptoms, sleep problems, resilience and neurocognitive functioning of firefighters, and to identify the sequential mediating effects of sleep problems and resilience on the relationship between PTSD symptoms and neurocognitive functioning (especially psychomotor speed and processing speed). METHODS Data were collected from 325 firefighters in eight fire departments in four regions of Korea. Subjects performed neurocognitive function tests and completed the following questionnaires: Primary Care PTSD Screening, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-K and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-2. The correlation and dual mediation effects were analysed using SPSS 22.0 program and PROCESS macro 3.4 program. RESULTS PTSD symptoms, neurocognitive functioning, sleep problems and resilience were significantly correlated with each other. In the sequential mediation model, the relationship between PTSD and psychomotor speed/processing speed was sequentially mediated by sleep problems and resilience after adjusting for demographic variables. CONCLUSIONS The PTSD symptoms of firefighters were related to a sequential link between sleep problems, low resilience and decreased neurocognitive function. These findings could serve as a basis for more effective and integrated interventional strategies for facilitating better neurocognitive functioning in firefighters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ri Han
- Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Ae Yun
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Eulji University School of Medicine, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Sook Jeong
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Soon Ahn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong-Sook Choi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Eulji University School of Medicine, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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Ashworth ET, Cotter JD, Kilding AE. Impact of elevated core temperature on cognition in hot environments within a military context. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 121:1061-1071. [PMID: 33426575 PMCID: PMC7797274 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04591-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cognition can be impaired during exercise in the heat, potentially contributing to military casualties. To our knowledge, the independent role of elevated core temperature during exercise has not been determined. The aim of the current study was to evaluate effects of elevated core temperature on cognition during physically encumbering, heated exercise, and to determine whether the perceptual cooling effects of menthol preserves cognition. METHODS Eight participants complete three trials in randomised order: one normothermic (CON) and two with elevated (38.5°C) core temperature, induced by prior immersion in neutral versus hot water The CON trial and one hot trial (HOT) used a water mouth-rinse following each cognitive task of the trial, (HOT) while the other used a menthol mouth-rinse (MENT). Participants walked in humid heat (33°C, 75% relative humidity) in military clothing, completing a cognitive battery of reaction time, perceptual processing, working memory, executive function, cognitive flexibility, vigilance, and declarative memory. RESULTS No differences in cognitive performance were observed between any conditions. Near-infrared spectroscopy showed greater oxygenated haemoglobin tissue content in HOT and MENT compared to CON (ΔO2Hb-deO2Hb: 2.3 ± 4.5 µM, p < .024), and lower deoxygenated haemoglobin in MENT than in CON or HOT (p = .017), suggesting higher brain metabolism during the more stressful conditions. CONCLUSION Moderately elevated core (38.5°C) and skin temperature does not appear to impair cognitive performance during exercise despite mildly elevated cerebral metabolism. The effects of menthol remain undetermined due to the lack of heat-mediated cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Tom Ashworth
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), Auckland University of Technology, 17 Antares Place, Rosedale, Auckland, 0632, New Zealand.
| | - James David Cotter
- School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, 55/47 Union Street W, North Dunedin, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Andrew Edward Kilding
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), Auckland University of Technology, 17 Antares Place, Rosedale, Auckland, 0632, New Zealand
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Chicas R, Xiuhtecutli N, Dickman NE, Scammell ML, Steenland K, Hertzberg VS, McCauley L. Cooling intervention studies among outdoor occupational groups: A review of the literature. Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:988-1007. [PMID: 32886396 PMCID: PMC7745167 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this systematic review is to examine cooling intervention research in outdoor occupations, evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions, and offer recommendations for future studies. This review focuses on outdoor occupational studies conducted at worksites or simulated occupational tasks in climatic chambers. METHODS This systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to identify original research on intervention studies published in peer-reviewed journals that aimed at reducing heat stress or heat-related illness from January 2000 to August 2020. RESULTS A systematic search yielded a total of 1042 articles, of which 21 met the inclusion criteria. Occupations with cooling intervention studies included agriculture (n = 5), construction (n = 5), industrial workers (n = 4), and firefighters (n = 7). The studies focused on multiple types of cooling interventions cooling gear (vest, bandanas, cooling shirts, or head-cooling gel pack), enhanced heat dissipation clothing, forearm or lower body immersion in cold water, water dousing, ingestion of a crushed ice slush drink, electrolyte liquid hydration, and modified Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommendations of drinking water and resting in the shade. CONCLUSION Current evidence indicates that using multiple cooling gears along with rest cycles may be the most effective method to reduce heat-related illness. Occupational heat-related illnesses and death may be mitigated by targeted cooling intervention and workplace controls among workers of vulnerable occupational groups and industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Chicas
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - Madeleine L. Scammell
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kyle Steenland
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Vicki S. Hertzberg
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Linda McCauley
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Aljaroudi AM, Kadis DS, Bhattacharya A, Straucha A, Quinn TD, Williams WJ. Effect of continuous cooling on inhibition and attention while wearing firefighter's PPE in a hot environment. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2020; 17:243-252. [PMID: 32150701 PMCID: PMC10037206 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2020.1726933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Firefighting is physically and mentally strenuous, requiring rapid, appropriate decision-making in hot environments. Intact cognitive function is imperative to firefighters' effectiveness and safety. The study purpose was to investigate the effect of hyperthermia and the effect of body cooling on sustained attention and response inhibition while wearing firefighters' personal protective ensembles after exercise in a hot environment. Twelve healthy males were recruited to participate in two randomly assigned exercise sessions (walking on a treadmill for 40 min at 40% [Formula: see text] O2max while wearing firefighter's protective ensemble) in a hot environment: control (no cooling) and intervention (cooling). For intervention sessions, a cooling garment was worn underneath firefighter's protective ensemble and infused with 18 °C water supplied by an external water circulator. Participants performed a computerized Go/No-Go (a measure of cognitive function) test three times at baseline and post-exercise for each experimental session. Participants completed baseline testing while wearing cotton athletic clothing. The exercise continued until the core temperature reached ∼39 °C (for all subjects regardless of cooling or non-cooling experimental sessions). Following hyperthermia, participants' physiological responses were significantly increased after exercise. Subjects' reaction time was significantly reduced (improved) after experiencing thermal strain and reaching hyperthermia. The cooling method had a significant impact on suppressing the physiological load, i.e., body cooling delayed the time to reach a Tc of 39 °C (p ≤ 0.05), but not cognitive inhibition and attention (reaction time and accuracy). Unexpectedly, hyperthermia resulted in shorter reaction time following exercise (16.64 ± 5.62; p < 0.03), likely influenced by increased attention/vigilance. Hyperthermia may trigger an acute increase in alertness, causing decreased reaction time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M. Aljaroudi
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
| | - Darren S. Kadis
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Amit Bhattacharya
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Amanda Straucha
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tyler D. Quinn
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - W. Jon Williams
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Zare S, Hemmatjo R, Allahyari T, Hajaghazadeh M, Hajivandi A, Aghabeigi M, Kazemi R. Comparison of the effect of typical firefighting activities, live fire drills and rescue operations at height on firefighters' physiological responses and cognitive function. ERGONOMICS 2018; 61:1334-1344. [PMID: 29862929 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2018.1484524] [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: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the impact of various types of firefighting activities on firefighters' physiological responses and cognitive function. Each firefighter was engaged in three conditions: (1) Live-fire activities (LFA), (2) Typical firefighting activities (TFA), and (3) Rescue operations at height (ROH). The effects of various types of firefighting activities on the physiological responses and cognitive function were evaluated by heart rate (HR), temporal artery temperature (TT), and the correct response (CR) on a cognitive test. The results indicated that, compared to the baseline, physiological response increased, while information processing performance decreased after the activity. Furthermore, HR and TT were significantly lower at the end of the firefighting activity in the LFA (149.33 bpm; 38.08 °C) compared with the TFA (152.22 bpm; 38.17 °C) and ROH (159.28 bpm; 38.24 °C) conditions. Also, CR was significantly higher at the end of the activity in the LFA and TFA compared with the ROH condition. The results showed that rescue at height was more intensive than the other firefighting tasks in decreasing physiological and cognitive function capacity after the experiment. Practitioner Summary: We assumed that various types of firefighting activities would have different effects on physiological and cognitive functions during firefighting activities. The Findings suggest that rescue at height operations, performed without the use of special protective equipment, was more influential than other firefighting duties in changing firefighters' physiological and cognitive capacity. Abbreviations: CR: correct response; LFA: live-fire activities; TFA: typical firefighting activities; ROH: rescue operations at height; HR: heart rate; TT: temporal artery tempearture; PASAT: pased auditory serila addition teat; FPC: firefighting protective clothing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Zare
- a Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health , Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran
| | - Rasoul Hemmatjo
- b Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health , Urmia University of Medical Sciences , Urmia , Iran
| | - Teimour Allahyari
- c Department of Occupational Health, School of Health , Urmia University of Medical Sciences , Urmia , Iran
| | - Mohammad Hajaghazadeh
- d Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health , Urmia University of Medical Sciences , Urmia , Iran
| | - Abdollah Hajivandi
- e Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health , Bushehr University of Medical Sciences , Bushehr , Iran
| | - Mandana Aghabeigi
- f Department National Petrochemical Company of Tehran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Reza Kazemi
- g Department of Ergonomics, School of Public Health , Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Iran
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Marcel-Millet P, Ravier G, Grospretre S, Gimenez P, Freidig S, Groslambert A. Physiological responses and parasympathetic reactivation in rescue interventions: The effect of the breathing apparatus. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2018; 28:2710-2722. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.13291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philémon Marcel-Millet
- UPFR des Sports; Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté; Besançon France
- Laboratoire C3S (EA 4660), Département Sport-Performance; Besançon France
| | - Gilles Ravier
- UPFR des Sports; Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté; Besançon France
- Laboratoire C3S (EA 4660), Département Sport-Performance; Besançon France
| | - Sidney Grospretre
- UPFR des Sports; Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté; Besançon France
- Laboratoire C3S (EA 4660), Département Sport-Performance; Besançon France
| | - Philippe Gimenez
- UPFR des Sports; Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté; Besançon France
- Laboratoire C3S (EA 4660), Département Sport-Performance; Besançon France
| | - Sébastien Freidig
- Service Départemental d'Incendie et de Secours du Doubs; Besançon France
| | - Alain Groslambert
- UPFR des Sports; Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté; Besançon France
- Laboratoire C3S (EA 4660), Département Sport-Performance; Besançon France
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Malcolm RA, Cooper S, Folland JP, Tyler CJ, Sunderland C. Passive Heat Exposure Alters Perception and Executive Function. Front Physiol 2018; 9:585. [PMID: 29887804 PMCID: PMC5981197 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Findings regarding the influence of passive heat exposure on cognitive function remain equivocal due to a number of methodological issues including variation in the domains of cognition examined. In a randomized crossover design, forty-one male participants completed a battery of cognitive function tests [Visual Search, Stroop, Corsi Blocks and Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVIP) tests] prior to and following 1 h of passive rest in either hot (39.6 ± 0.4°C, 50.8 ± 2.3% Rh) or moderate (21.2 ± 1.8°C, 41.9 ± 11.4% Rh) conditions. Subjective feelings of heat exposure, arousal and feeling were assessed alongside physiological measures including core temperature, skin temperature and heart rate, at baseline and throughout the protocol. Response times were slower in the hot trial on the simple (main effect of trial, P < 0.001) and complex (main effect of trial, P < 0.001) levels of the Stroop test (Hot: 872 ± 198 ms; Moderate: 834 ± 177 ms) and the simple level of the visual search test (Hot: 354 ± 54 ms; Moderate: 331 ± 47 ms) (main effect of trial, P < 0.001). Participants demonstrated superior accuracy on the simple level of the Visual Search test in the hot trial (Hot: 98.5 ± 3.1%; Moderate: 97.4 ± 3.6%) (main effect of trial, P = 0.035). Participants also demonstrated an improvement in accuracy on the complex level of the visual search test following 1 h passive heat exposure (Pre: 96.8 ± 5.9%; Post: 98.1 ± 3.1%), whilst a decrement was seen across the trial in the moderate condition (Pre: 97.7 ± 3.5; Post: 97.0 ± 5.1%) (time*trial interaction, P = 0.029). No differences in performance were observed on the RVIP or Corsi Blocks tests (all P > 0.05). Subjective feelings of thermal sensation and felt arousal were higher, feeling was lower in the hot trial, whilst skin temperature, core temperature and heart rate were higher (main effects of trial, all P < 0.001). The findings of the present study suggest that response times for perception and executive function tasks are worse in the heat. An improvement in accuracy on perceptual tasks may suggest a compensatory speed-accuracy trade-off effect occurring within this domain, further highlighting the task dependant nature of heat exposure on cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Malcolm
- Department of Sport Sciences, Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Cooper
- Department of Sport Sciences, Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan P Folland
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J Tyler
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Sunderland
- Department of Sport Sciences, Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Piil JF, Lundbye-Jensen J, Trangmar SJ, Nybo L. Performance in complex motor tasks deteriorates in hyperthermic humans. Temperature (Austin) 2017; 4:420-428. [PMID: 29435481 PMCID: PMC5800368 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2017.1368877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat stress, leading to elevations in whole-body temperature, has a marked impact on both physical performance and cognition in ecological settings. Lab experiments confirm this for physically demanding activities, whereas observations are inconsistent for tasks involving cognitive processing of information or decision-making prior to responding. We hypothesized that divergences could relate to task complexity and developed a protocol consisting of 1) simple motor task [TARGET_pinch], 2) complex motor task [Visuo-motor tracking], 3) simple math task [MATH_type], 4) combined motor-math task [MATH_pinch]. Furthermore, visuo-motor tracking performance was assessed both in a separate- and a multipart protocol (complex motor tasks alternating with the three other tasks). Following familiarization, each of the 10 male subjects completed separate and multipart protocols in randomized order in the heat (40°C) or control condition (20°C) with testing at baseline (seated rest) and similar seated position, following exercise-induced hyperthermia (core temperature ∼ 39.5°C in the heat and 38.2°C in control condition). All task scores were unaffected by control exercise or passive heat exposure, but visuo-motor tracking performance was reduced by 10.7 ± 6.5% following exercise-induced hyperthermia when integrated in the multipart protocol and 4.4 ± 5.7% when tested separately (both P < 0.05). TARGET_pinch precision declined by 2.6 ± 1.3% (P < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed for the math tasks. These results indicate that heat per se has little impact on simple motor or cognitive test performance, but complex motor performance is impaired by hyperthermia and especially so when multiple tasks are combined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob F Piil
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, August Krogh Building, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Lundbye-Jensen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, August Krogh Building, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steven J Trangmar
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lars Nybo
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, August Krogh Building, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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