Human mood and cognitive function after different extreme cold exposure

Abstract

Mood and cognitive function can change after cold exposure. Recovering from extreme cold is important, especially for people who work outdoors. This study was conducted to investigate cognitive function in the recovery period after being exposed to different temperatures of cold environments. 12 subjects underwent different cold exposures at −5 °C, −10 °C, and −15 °C in a climate chamber. Cognitive function was measured with the Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery (NCTB) and Stroop color-word test after 40 min of recovery at a room of 24 °C. The results showed that 40 min of recovery after cold exposure could not eliminate the differences between different degrees of extremely cold exposure in the mood effects (confusion-bewilderment). A decrease in ambient temperature could reduce visual perception and memory functions. Manual dexterity decreased by 13.6% in −10 °C compared with that in 24 °C due to colder ambient temperatures. At different degrees of cold exposure, selective attention decreased significantly as the ambient temperature dropped. The results from this study could be used to better organize work and rest periods according to task characteristics and duration of cold exposure.