Methods of estimating the effect of integral motorcycle helmets on physiological and psychological performance

Abstract

This article proposes a method for a comprehensive assessment of the effect of integral motorcycle helmets on physiological and cognitive responses of motorcyclists. To verify the reliability of commonly used tests, we conducted experiments with 5 motorcyclists. We recorded changes in physiological parameters (heart rate, local skin temperature, core temperature, air temperature, relative humidity in the space between the helmet and the surface of the head, and the concentration of O2 and CO2 under the helmet) and in psychological parameters (motorcyclists ‘ reflexes, fatigue, perceptiveness and mood). We also studied changes in the motorcyclists’ subjective sensation of thermal comfort. The results made it possible to identify reliable parameters for assessing the effect of integral helmets on performance, i.e., physiological factors (head skin temperature, internal temperature and concentration of O2 and CO2 under the helmet) and on psychomotor factors (reaction time, attention and vigilance, work performance, concentration and a subjective feeling of mood and fatigue). © 2012, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.