title: The interaction of body armor, low-intensity exercise, and hot-humid conditions on physiological strain and cognitive function.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This project was aimed at evaluating the impact of combat armor on physiological and cognitive functions during low-intensity exercise in hot-humid conditions (36 degrees C and 60% relative humidity).
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine males participated in three trials (2.5 hours), walking at two speeds and wearing different protective equipment: control (combat uniform and cloth hat); torso armor with uniform and cloth hat; and full armor (uniform, torso armor, and helmet).
  
  
  RESULTS
  As time progressed, core temperatures increased and deviated significantly among trials, rising at 0.37 degrees C h(-1) (control), 0.41 degrees C h(-1) (torso armor), and 0.51 degrees C h(-1) (full armor). Heart rates also progressively diverged, and subjects lost significantly more sweat during the two armored trials. However, cognitive-function tests revealed neither significant main effects nor time by treatment interactions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combat armor and helmet significantly increased thermal and cardiovascular strain, but these were unlikely to lead to either exertional heat illness or impaired cognitive function during uneventful urban, military patrols in hot-humid conditions.
authors.affiliation: Human Performance Laboratories, School of Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
authors.forename: Joanne N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Caldwell
authors.forename: Lian
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Engelen
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: van der Henst
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: Nigel A S
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D011481:Protective Clothing; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D013546:Sweating