Mathematical model of human responses to open air and water immersion

Modeling human thermoregulatory responses

Authors

  • Irena I. Yermakova
  • Leslie D. Montgomery
  • Adam W Potter U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12922/jshp.v10i1.187

Keywords:

physiology, thermophysiology, thermoregulation, clothing, modeling, extreme environment, diving, immersion

Abstract

Mathematical models that describe human thermoregulatory responses provide valuable information that can be used to prevent thermal injuries (e.g., heat or cold related), for training or planning purposes, and for an array of simulation activites such as analyzing after actions assessments.  This paper focuses on the structure and mathematical basis of a multi-comparement model specifically designed and validated for use in a wide range of conditions, to include hot and cold stress and immersion in both cold and warm water conditions, that includes methods for assessing responses with various clothing.  The Health Risk Prediction model (HRP) uses inputs environmental conditions, clothing properties, individual characteristics, and activity rates to quantitatively generate predictions of body temperatures (skin, muscle, core temperatures, etc.) as well as physiological outcomes (skin blood flow, metabolism, cardiac output, shivering, etc.). 

Author Biography

  • Adam W Potter, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM)

    Adam Potter is a Research Physiologist at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM). Prior to his work in research, he served on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, participating in real-world operations in Kosovo, Iraq, and Liberia. His military awards include: the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal (w/Bronze Star), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (w/Bronze Star). Dr. Potter holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology from Cambridge College, a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science (MS) in Sports and Health Sciences from American Military University, and a PhD in Biomedical and Health Informatics with a concentration in Nanomedicine from Rutgers University. As a Principle Investigator at USARIEM he leads non-human and human research protocols in the areas of thermal manikins, thermoregulatory modeling, metabolic cost studies, and real-time monitoring of physiological responses to various military operational activities. His research portfolio spans across the applied sciences, e.g., manikin testing, to the cutting-edge of product development, e.g., computer-based decision aids and wearable sensors.

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Published

2022-10-04