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Thermal effects on cognition: a new quantitative synthesis
José Ignacio López-Sánchez1, P A Hancock2
1a University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo , Murcia , Spain.
Summary
Rising global temperatures increase thermal stress, impairing cognitive function and work performance, especially for outdoor workers. This study presents mathematical models and software to assess and mitigate heat-related cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Cognitive Science
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Increasing global temperatures impose thermal load, stressing organisms and impacting human activities.
- Thermal stress negatively affects both physical work capacity and cognitive functions.
- Cognition is crucial for problem-solving, yet heat exposure degrades thinking abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To refine the isothermal description of cognitive decrements under thermal stress.
- To provide mathematical functions linking performance deterioration to time/temperature conditions.
- To develop a tool for monitoring, assessing, and mitigating adverse thermal loads.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of existing empirical evidence on thermal stress and cognition.
- Development of mathematical functions to quantify cognitive performance decline.
- Creation of a free software tool for thermal load assessment.
Main Results:
- Mathematical functions accurately describe task-specific cognitive performance deterioration.
- The degree of cognitive decrement is directly linked to specific time/temperature exposures.
- A user-friendly software tool is available for practical application.
Conclusions:
- Thermal stress significantly impairs human cognitive functioning.
- Quantifiable relationships exist between heat exposure and cognitive deficits.
- The developed tool can aid in preserving cognitive health in thermally challenging environments.
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