The effect of low temperatures on muscle function while wearing protective clothing used in the mining industry

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how muscle function is affected by cold environments in persons wearing cold protective clothing for the mining industry when performing work-related tasks. 15 subjects were exposed to a low temperature (-15°C) and a moderate temperature (5°C). Protective clothing was similar during both environmental conditions. The subjects performed a total of five test periods and four work periods. A test period consisted of dynamic wrist flexion and maximal voluntary contractions for wrist flexion, elbow flexion and shoulder abduction. Work periods consisted of three tasks; 1) arms above head, 2) arms at hip height and 3) lifting dumbbells of the floor and onto a case. Cold exposure led to lower skin temperatures and higher muscle activity in the wrist flexors during the work period compared to 5°C. In addition, we observed a reduced amount of local oxygenation in the wrist flexors in the cold. In conclusion, cold exposure reduced skin temperatures, which further led to minor negative effect on muscle function.