Does increased core temperature alter cognitive performance during exercise-induced heat strain? A narrative review

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Human Performance

Background:

• Evidence on heat stress, heat strain, and elevated core temperature's effect on cognitive performance is inconclusive.
• Understanding how specific cognitive tasks are affected by increased core body temperature is crucial for performance optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze the impact of exercise-induced core temperature increases on distinct cognitive functions.
• To identify which cognitive tasks are most sensitive to thermal strain during physical exertion.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of 31 studies measuring cognitive performance and core body temperature during exercise under thermal stress.
• Cognitive tasks were categorized into inhibition, working memory, and flexibility.

Main Results:

• Core temperature changes alone were insufficient predictors of cognitive performance.
• Reaction time, memory recall, and Stroop tasks were most effective in detecting cognitive changes under thermal strain.
• Performance alterations were more probable with higher thermal loads, often compounded by dehydration and extended exercise.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive performance, especially reaction time and memory, is sensitive to exercise-induced hyperthermia.
• Cumulative physiological stressors significantly influence cognitive function during heat exposure.
• Future research should assess cognitive performance relevance in activities with substantial heat strain.