Effects of heat stress on cognitive performance: the current state of knowledge

    Authors

    P. A. Hancock;I. Vasmatzidis

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Int. J. Hyperthermia

    Keywords

    heat stress; cognitive performance; THERMAL-STRESS; SUSTAINED ATTENTION; TASK-PERFORMANCE; TEMPERATURE; MODEL; Oncology; Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging

    Abstract

    This paper discusses the current state of knowledge on the effects of heat stress on cognitive performance. Although substantial research has been performed, it has proven difficult to describe the literature findings in a systematic manner. This is due to the large number of factors that come into play, such as task type, exposure duration, skill and acclimatization level of the individual and due to the absence of a concise theory on which experimental work can be based. However, two trends have been identified. First, heat stress affects cognitive performance differentially, depending on the type of cognitive task. Secondly, it appears that a relationship can be established between the effects of heat stress and deep body temperature. A number of exposure limits have been proposed during the last decades. These limits are summarized in this paper, with a special emphasis on the most recent one derived by Hancock and Vasmatzidis. This limit, which employs an attentional resource approach, defines exposure duration thresholds as parallel lines. Although this approach appears to be the most promising thus far, it is concluded that much remains to be understood before a limit becomes universally acceptable.

    Journal Title

    International Journal of Hyperthermia

    Volume

    19

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2003

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    355

    Last Page

    372

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000182719700008

    ISSN

    0265-6736

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