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Elham Akhlaghi Pirposhteh, Mohammad Javad Jafari, Somayeh Farhang Dehghan, Zahra Salehzadeh, Saeid Ghaffari,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: WBV and heat stress are important hazardous agents, which can affect the people’s cognitive function. The present study aimted to explore the effect of co-exposure to heat stress and WBV on auditory-visual attention and reaction time in a laboratory setting.
Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 32 consenting male students chosen from the university in accordance with the inclusion criteria. The participants were required to complete the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) in order to determine their state of health. The Ishihara color blind test was performed afterward. Heat stress exposure was exerted at a WBGT index of 22, 29, and 34 °C, with 22 °C as the control condition. WBV was applied at 0.53, 0.81, and 1.12 m/s2, as well as a no WBV exposure condition (the control), making a total of 12 different exposure modes. The reaction times and auditory-visual attention of the subjects were measured via the IVA test. Further, the individuals’ heart rate was recorded by a digital heart rate monitor.
Results: Elevation of WBV acceleration and WBGT from 29°C to 34°C independently caused a significant reduction in auditory-visual attention, as well as a significant rise in reaction times. Co-exposure to WBV and heat stress significantly affected auditory-visual attention and reaction time (p<0.001).
Conclusions: According to the results, WBV and heat stress are two influential factors on cognitive performance which can reduce concentration and attention devoted to work.
