Caldwell Joanne N, Engelen Lian, van der Henst Charles, Patterson Mark J, Taylor Nigel A S
Human Performance Laboratories, School of Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
Mil Med. 2011 May;176(5):488-93. doi: 10.7205/milmed-d-10-00010.
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).
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).
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.
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.
本项目旨在评估在炎热潮湿环境（36摄氏度，相对湿度60%）下进行低强度运动时，作战护甲对生理和认知功能的影响。
九名男性参与了三项试验（每次2.5小时），以两种速度行走并穿戴不同的防护装备：对照组（作战制服和布帽）；身着制服并佩戴布帽的躯干护甲组；以及全身护甲组（制服、躯干护甲和头盔）。
随着时间推移，核心体温升高，且各试验组间有显著差异，对照组以0.37摄氏度/小时的速度上升，躯干护甲组为0.41摄氏度/小时，全身护甲组为0.51摄氏度/小时。心率也逐渐出现差异，在两项护甲试验中受试者出汗明显更多。然而，认知功能测试既未显示出显著的主效应，也未显示出时间与处理方式的交互作用。
作战护甲和头盔显著增加了热应激和心血管应激，但在炎热潮湿环境下进行的平稳城市军事巡逻中，这些应激不太可能导致劳力性热射病或认知功能受损。
