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Cognitive Performance in Young Adults During Three Consecutive Days of Simulated Occupational Heat Stress: An
Daniel C Moore1, Sean R Notley2, Brad Aisbett1
1School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|August 2, 2026
Summary
Occupational heat exposure did not impair cognitive performance across three workdays in young adults. Sustained attention even improved in hot conditions, suggesting heat resilience under specific work-rest schedules.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Environmental physiology
- Cognitive science
Background:
- Rising global temperatures increase occupational heat exposure risks.
- Cumulative effects of repeated heat stress on worker cognition are not well understood.
- This study investigates cognitive function during simulated heat exposure over consecutive days.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of three consecutive days of simulated occupational heat stress on cognitive performance.
- To assess perceived workload under hot versus control conditions.
- To determine if repeated heat exposure leads to cumulative cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- Twenty physically active adults participated in a randomized crossover trial.
- Participants completed three 8-hour workdays under hot (35°C) and control (18°C) conditions.
- Cognitive performance (sensorimotor speed, processing speed, attention, memory) and perceived workload were assessed daily.
Main Results:
- Cognitive performance remained stable across consecutive workdays, with no cumulative impairment observed.
- Sustained attention unexpectedly improved in the hot condition.
- Perceived physical workload increased in the heat, but perceived mental workload remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive performance is maintained across consecutive days of occupational heat exposure in young, active adults under controlled work-rest conditions.
- Further research is needed in diverse populations and more demanding environments.
- Findings suggest potential resilience to heat-related cognitive decline in specific occupational settings.
