Decrement in manual arm performance during whole body cooling.
Six subjects performed three manual arm tasks: 1) prior to immersion in 8 degrees C water; 2) soon after immersion to the neck, but prior to any decrease in core temperature; and 3) every 15 min until core temperatures decreased 2-4.5 degrees C. The tasks were speed of flexion and extension of the fingers, handgrip strength and manual dexterity. There was no immediate effect of cold immersion; however, all scores decreased significantly after core temperature decreased 0.5 degrees C. Further decrease in core temperature was associated with a progressive impairment of performance, although at a slower rate than during the first 0.5 degrees C decrease. Flexion and extension of the fingers was affected relatively more than handgrip strength or manual dexterity. Decrement in performance is a result of peripheral cooling on sensorimotor function with a probable additional effect of central cooling on cerebral function.
Giesbrecht
G G
GG
Laboratory for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation Studies, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Bristow
G K
GK
D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007101:Immersion / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology*