OBSERVATIONS ON MEN PERFORMING A STANDARD AMOUNT OF WORK IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES

Abstract

Five subjects, wearing light or heavy clothing, walked at a standard rate of speed and grade of climb on a motor-driven treadmill in comfortable (24 [degree]C) and very cold environments ( -3 [degree] to -47 [degree]C). The energy expenditure for the standard work was increased by some 10% in the lower ambient temps. This stimulation appeared to be independent of the amt. of clothing worn. Ability to work was not significantly impaired even at ambient temps. as low as -47 [degree]C, although mechanical efficiency diminished slightly. The loss of body heat was greater with light-wt. clothing, and the rate of the loss appeared to be directly related to the ambient temp. In all cases, the heat debts were accumulated in the early portion of exposure to the cold environment.