This study looks at how people response performing single and dual tasks (cognitive and motor) prior to and after a rapid heat stress that increased core temperature to 39C.
Participants will perform single and dual tasks at baseline (normal temperature). These tasks are cognitive (recall and serial subtraction) and motor (gait and balance). Then participants will put on firefighter gear and walk on the treadmill in a hot, humid environment until their core temperature reaches 39C. Then, they will repeat the single and dual tasks with the elevated core temperature.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
10
participants will walk in a heat chamber to increase core temperature
LSU Health Shreveport
Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
RECRUITINGexpanded timed up and go
A timed test where participants stand from a chair, walk 10 m, turn, and return to the chair. Longer times indicate slower gait speed
Time frame: baseline and post-heat stress, both day 1
Firefighter balance test
A timed test where participants walk an obstacle course measuring dynamic balance, having to step up/down, walk a narrow path, and duck under an obstacle. Longer times indicate worse dynamic balance.
Time frame: baseline and post-heat stress, both day 1
Backward Digit Recall
A timed test where participants recall a series of numbers in reverse order. More digits indicate better recall.
Time frame: baseline and post-heat stress, both day 1
Serial Sevens Subtraction
A timed test where participants count backwards from a starting value by 7s, with the more correct responses in 20 seconds indicating better cognitive ability for this task.
Time frame: baseline and post-heat stress, both day 1
Serial Sevens Subtraction-Expanded Timed Up and Go Dual Task
Performance of serial sevens subtractions while performing the Expanded timed up and go test (ETUG). This test is timed (ETUG) and correct responses tabulated (subtraction).
Time frame: baseline and post-heat stress, both day 1
Serial Sevens Subtraction-Firefighter Balance Test Dual Task
Performance of serial sevens subtractions while performing the Firefighter Balance Test (FFBT). This test is timed (FFBT) and correct responses tabulated (subtraction).
Time frame: baseline and post-heat stress, both day 1
Backward Digit Recall-Expanded Timed Up and Go Dual Task
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Performance of backward digit recall while performing the Expanded timed up and go test (ETUG). This test is timed (ETUG) and correct responses tabulated (Recall).
Time frame: baseline and post-heat stress, both day 1
Backward Digit Recall-Firefighter Balance Test Dual Task
Performance of backward digit recall while performing the Firefighter Balance Test (FFBT). This test is timed (FFBT) and correct responses tabulated (Recall).
Time frame: baseline and post-heat stress, both day 1