The effects of short‐term and long‐term exposure to extreme cold environment on the body’s physiological responses: An experimental study

Abstract

There is little epidemiological data to make reliable conclusions about the effects of exposure to cold on the body’s physiological responses. The current study aimed to address this lacuna in the available research. The study sample consisted of 50 outdoor mechanic workers as a case group and 15 staff members as a control group used in the outdoor automechanic workshops. Air environmental factors, including dry‐bulb temperature and air velocity, were measured by the portable hot wire thermo anemometer in the workstation of each subject. The body’s physiological responses were also measured during daily activities in accordance with ISO 9886. Using Semmes–Weinstein monofilament, touch sensory tests were conducted for determining hands’ sensorineural functions. The baseline measurements showed the mechanic workers had lower finger sensation levels and finger skin temperatures than the control group (p < 0.05). This may be attributed to long‐term exposure to acute cold air during cold seasons. However, after short‐term exposure to extreme cold environment, the mechanic workers showed lower losses in finger skin temperatures and finger sensation levels than the control group ( p < 0.05). The findings confirmed that prolonged localized cold exposure among mechanic workers can result in localized habituation of vasoconstrictor responses.

Determining patterns of the influence of low temperatures of the external environment on head protection for a mountain rescuer

“…Many scientific studies address the physiological state of a person under the influence of extreme temperatures. In [1], it has been proven that prolonged local exposure to cold can lead to vasoconstrictor reactions. Paper [2] states that prolonged exposure of muscle nerves and tissues to low temperatures (to -32 °C) can lead to impaired physical and thermophysical characteristics, disability, and even death.…”

Physiological Responses to Outdoor Recreation: How it Can Help you Prepare your Outdoor Activity and How to Intervene

“…Usually, the human body begins to experience some discomfort at a skin temperature under 29°C. However, with acclimatization by repeated exposure to cold, a tolerance is developed partially by a psychological adaptation, by a central nervous system adaptation and lower finger skin temperature loss [19,20]. During outdoor activity, this acclimatization can help motivate people to enjoy winter outdoor sports, but it can further increase the risk of cold injuries [19,21].…”

“…Nonetheless, the authors agreed on the decrease of maximal oxygen consumption and the decrease of maximal cardiorespiratory capacity [4,22]. Finally, other physiological responses can affect exercise performance during outdoor activity in a cold environment such as: a decrease in strength, a decrease of maximal power, coordination lost a decrease of dexterity, higher reaction time and decision-making that can increase the accident risks for some sport like climbing [6,8,20].…”