Mathematical model of man's tolerance to cold using morphological factors

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Environmental Medicine
• Biophysics

Background:

• Human physiological responses to cold are complex, influenced by environmental factors and individual morphology.
• Accurate prediction of thermal state is crucial for understanding cold exposure risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a mathematical model for predicting naked human physiological responses and thermal state during cold exposure.
• To investigate the influence of morphological characteristics, particularly skinfold thickness, on thermal regulation.
• To assess survival possibilities during cold water immersion.

Main Methods:

• Development of a mathematical model incorporating morphological data (skinfold, size, weight) and environmental conditions (temperature, velocity, pressure, humidity).
• Model validation through testing.
• Simulation of rectal (Tre) and mean skin (Tsk) temperatures to study metabolic responses.
• Analysis of inter-individual differences in thermal conductance.

Main Results:

• The model accurately predicts physiological responses and thermal state under cold exposure.
• Skinfold thickness is a primary determinant of inter-individual differences in thermal conductance.
• Metabolism is dependent on both rectal (Tre) and mean skin (Tsk) temperatures.

Conclusions:

• The developed mathematical model provides a valuable tool for anticipating human physiological responses to cold.
• The model highlights the critical role of skinfold thickness in thermal regulation and survival.
• This model enhances existing data for predicting survival during cold water immersion.