title: Effects of acclimation on cognitive performance in soldiers during exertional heat stress.
abstract: This study investigates the effects of exertional heat stress and acclimation status on physiological and cognitive performance. Forty male soldiers performed an exertional heat stress test (EHST) either in a cool (20 degrees C, 16 degrees C wet bulb globe temperature), or in a hot environment (40 degrees C, 29 degrees C wet bulb globe temperature), unacclimatized, or after 10 days of passive or active acclimation. Mean skin and tympanic (Tty) temperatures and heart rates (HR) measured physiological strain. A cognitive test (the computerized Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Batteries attention battery) is administered before and immediately after EHST. EHST in hot conditions induced physiological heat stress (increase in Tty and HR), which caused mild deficits in attention in U group (decreased number of correct responses, and prolonged movement time). Acclimated (passive and active) soldiers suffered no detrimental effects of exertional heat stress, despite almost the same degree of heat strain, measured by Tty and HR.
authors.affiliation: Sector of Preventive Medicine, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia.
authors.forename: Sonja S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Radakovic
authors.forename: Jelena
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Maric
authors.forename: Maja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Surbatovic
authors.forename: Slavica
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Radjen
authors.forename: Elka
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Stefanova
authors.forename: Nebojsa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stankovic
authors.forename: Nikola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Filipovic
mesh_terms: D000064:Acclimatization / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D018882:Heat Stress Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D011581:Psychological Tests