Prediction of Hand Manual Performance during Cold Exposure

A model was developed to predict hand manual performance (HMP) impairment during cold exposure. HMP is defined as the performance (tasks completed per unit time) normalized relative to performance at a finger/hand skin temperature (FST) of approximately 33°C. An empirical algorithm describing the relationship between HMP and FST was developed from published data. This algorithm adequately predicts the critical FST thresholds for reduced HMP. The combination of this algorithm and FST predictive models is useful for risk assessment, evaluation of handwear and rescue equipment design when human testing is precluded for ethical or practical reasons.