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Influence of Heat Exposure on Motor Control Performance and Learning as Well as Physiological Responses to Visuomotor
Mao Aoki1, Yudai Yamazaki2,3, Junto Otsuka1
1Laboratory for Exercise and Environmental Physiology, Faculty of Education, Niigata University, Niigata 950-2181, Japan.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|October 14, 2022
Summary
High heat exposure impairs motor control and cardiovascular responses during skill learning. However, these effects are temporary and do not impact performance after the heat exposure period ends.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Human Performance
Background:
- Heat exposure significantly impacts physiological and cognitive functions.
- Understanding the effects of heat on motor control and cardiovascular responses is crucial for performance optimization and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of heat exposure on motor control performance and learning during visuomotor accuracy tracking (VAT) tasks.
- To assess the effects of heat on cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses during VAT.
- To determine if heat-induced alterations in performance and physiological responses persist after heat exposure.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-nine healthy adults were divided into thermoneutral and hot environment groups.
- Participants performed VAT tasks during an acquisition phase and a retention phase.
- Skin temperature, core body temperature, mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and sweating were monitored.
Main Results:
- Heat exposure elevated skin temperature and marginally increased core body temperature.
- Motor control performance was more impaired in the hot environment during acquisition but not in the retention phase.
- Cardiovascular responses (mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate) were blunted in the heat during acquisition, with no retention phase alterations.
Conclusions:
- Elevated skin temperature exacerbates motor control performance and blunts cardiovascular response during motor skill acquisition.
- The negative impacts of heat exposure on motor control and cardiovascular function are not sustained after the exposure period.
- These findings highlight the transient nature of heat's effects on psychomotor performance and cardiovascular regulation.
