Effects of Long-Duration Cold Exposure on Performance of Tasks in Naval Inshore Warfare Operations.

摘要

Eight UDT and SEAL Team personnel participated in a series of 6-hour test scenarios composed of 3-hours in water, 1-hour in air and 2-hours in water. A variety of tasks were performed in the water which were simulations of submersible operator and navigator tasks: depth and heading control, obstacle detection and avoidance, and navigation problem-solving. In-air tasks were simulations of a demolition raid on an inland target. Test scenarios were run in both cold and control temperature conditions. Cold exposure consisted of water temperature of 4.5C (40F) and air temperature of 10 C (50 F); control exposure temperatures were 15.5 C (60F) water and 20C (68F) air. Following the 6-hour exposures, divers rewarmed in either a hot-water bath at 40C (104F) or in a hot air van at 38 C (100F). Three skin temperatures, core temperature and ECG records were taken throughout the exposure and rewarming phases. Results suggest a first-hour distraction effect of extreme temperature conditions on performance of vigilance and problem-solving tasks. In cold water, performance was significantly degraded relative to the moderate temperature during the first hour's exposure, then recovered to a level of effectiveness comparable to that associated with the moderate temperature. All tasks showed a gradual decrement with time in the water. In-air task performance was less effective following the 3-hour water exposure for both manual and mental tasks. (Author)