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Effect of altered vision on constant load exercise performance while wearing a respirator
A T Johnson1, C R Dooly, M S Sahota
1Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Visual acuity did not significantly impact task performance during strenuous exercise, challenging the Performance Rating Table (PRT) predictions. Other factors like respiratory and thermal stress were more influential.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Human Performance
- Vision Science
Background:
- Visual acuity is crucial for task performance at low work rates.
- The Performance Rating Table (PRT) suggests minimal visual acuity impact at moderate to heavy work rates.
- The realism of PRT predictions at higher work rates requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the influence of visual acuity on task performance during strenuous exercise.
- To determine if the Performance Rating Table (PRT) accurately reflects visual acuity's role in demanding conditions.
- To identify factors other than visual acuity affecting performance under strenuous exercise.
Main Methods:
- Ten subjects performed treadmill exercise at 75-80% max heart rate.
- Subjects wore masks with varying clouded lenses to simulate reduced visual acuity.
- Visual acuity was measured using the Snellen eye chart before, during, and after exercise.
Main Results:
- Visual acuity did not significantly influence exercise performance time.
- Masks reduced visual acuity by approximately 0.75 Snellen lines during exercise.
- Post-exercise visual acuity initially decreased, then improved, before returning to baseline.
Conclusions:
- The PRT may overestimate the impact of visual acuity at high work rates.
- Respiratory and thermal stress, along with other visual factors, significantly influence performance.
- Full-facepiece masks negatively impact visual acuity during strenuous physical activity.