Title: The effects of mindfulness and repeated cold exposure on cold tolerance and motor skill performance

Authors: Kaitlin Mugford; Heather Barry; Michael King; Gal Ziv; Heather Carnahan

Addresses: School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University, St. John's NL, Canada ' School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University, St. John's NL, Canada ' School of Maritime Studies, Marine Institute of Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada ' The Academic College at Wingate, Netanya, Israel ' School of Maritime Studies, Marine Institute of Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada

Abstract: The ability to withstand cold temperatures and perform motor tasks in cold environments is a requirement in various industries. This study aimed to determine whether being read a mindfulness passage along with repeated cold exposure could improve motor performance and tolerance in cold conditions. Participants were assigned to either a cold exposure, or a mindfulness plus cold exposure training group. For training, the cold exposure group submerged their hand in cold water (2°C), and the mindfulness group did the same as they were read a mindfulness script. Following training both groups performed a maximum duration exposure to cold test, and then performed a cold grooved pegboard and knot untying post-test. Both groups performed similarly on the motor tests. Maximum cold exposure duration was greater in the mindfulness group. Individuals exposed to cold/wet environments could increase their ability to withstand cold exposure by implementing mindfulness techniques.

Keywords: cold exposure; cold training; mindfulness; hand function; cold tolerance; discomfort; sensation; dexterity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2021.119051

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2021 Vol.8 No.4, pp.408 - 420

Received: 25 Jan 2021
Accepted: 28 Apr 2021
Published online: 18 Nov 2021 *

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