Impact of Heat on Dual Task Performance

Impact of Heat Stress and Fatigue on Dual Task Performance-A Pilot Study.

This study looks at how people response performing single and dual tasks (cognitive and motor) prior to and after a rapid heat stress that increased core temperature to 39C.

Participants will perform single and dual tasks at baseline (normal temperature). These tasks are cognitive (recall and serial subtraction) and motor (gait and balance). Then participants will put on firefighter gear and walk on the treadmill in a hot, humid environment until their core temperature reaches 39C. Then, they will repeat the single and dual tasks with the elevated core temperature.

Inclusion Criteria:

• health via PARQ+

Exclusion Criteria:

• inability to safely swallow core temperature pill
• musculoskeletal injury in past 3 months
• diagnosed concussion or vestibular disorder
• known pregnancy