Psychological and Physiological Effects of Wearing a Gas Mask or Protective Suit Under Non Exercising Conditions

摘要

Comparisons of psychological and physiological measures of subjects in the M17A2 mask for 4 hrs vs not in mask (Study 1), and subjects in the MOPP4 chemical protective suit for 12 hrs vs subjects in regular fatigues (Study 2) were made. Minor fatigue-related symptoms and heart rate of female subjects increased significantly in the mask conditions in Study 1. In Study 2 significant increases in fatigue symptoms, negative mood and sleepiness, and decreases in vigor and positive mood were found in the suit condition. Heart rate and core temperature were significantly elevated while in the suit, and grip strength decreased. All these changes except for positive mood, were significant for the first four hours. The increased symptoms and sleepiness and decreased heart rate were significant in the first hour. The changes observed, although significant, were not different from those observed previously over two sustained 20 hr days for non-exercising subjects (Naitoh, Englund, & Ryman, 1983, 1984). Both psychological and physiological changes in the MOPP suit were not to a degree to indicate that wearing this gear for 12 hrs without exercise would seriously impair cognitive performance.