The cognitive and physiological effects of heating the torso of a submerged diver

Paul O'Connor, Dale Hyde, John Clarke

Research output: Chapter in Book or Conference Publication/ProceedingConference Publicationpeer-review

Abstract

Seven U.S. Navy divers were submerged in 7.2 °C water for a maximum of two hours wearing a semidry suit. In one of the conditions they were provided with external heating, and in the other they were unheated. In the heated condition, a total of 35 W was delivered to each of four heating pad (total area 2,477 cm2) placed on the torso of the divers. Statistical analysis demonstrated that providing heating to the divers afforded no benefits in reducing the effects of cold water exposure on the skin temperature of the body extremities (fingers and toes) or in enhancing manual dexterity, grip strength, or cognitive performance when the effects of such heating were compared to those of the unheated condition. However, the participants reported that they would rather dive with the heating system than without it.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication52nd Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, HFES 2008
PublisherHuman Factors and Ergonomics Society Inc.
Pages738-742
Number of pages5
ISBN (Print)9781605606859
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
Event52nd Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, HFES 2008 - New York, NY, United States
Duration: 22 Sep 200826 Sep 2008

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Volume2
ISSN (Print)1071-1813

Conference

Conference52nd Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, HFES 2008
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNew York, NY
Period22/09/0826/09/08

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