Energy expenditure during physical work in cold environments: physiology and performance considerations for military service members

Effective execution of military missions in cold environments requires highly trained, well-equipped, and operationally ready service members. Understanding the metabolic energetic demands of performing physical work in extreme cold conditions is critical for individual medical readiness of service members.

Key characteristics of the cold operational environment that cause excessive energy expenditure in military personnel include thermoregulatory mechanisms, winter apparel, inspiration of cold air, inclement weather, and activities specific to cold weather. The combination of cold temperatures with other environmental stressors, including altitude, wind, and wet environments, exacerbates the overall metabolic strain on military service members. 

Excessive energy expenditure elevates the risk of physiological and operational consequences, in that negative energy balance and acute hypohydration result in physical and cognitive performance decrements. Such decrements may be mitigated by the application of enhanced clothing and equipment design, wearable technologies for biomechanical assistance and localized heating, thermogenic pharmaceuticals, and cold habituation and training guidance.

Altogether, the reduction in energy expenditure of modern military personnel during physical work in cold environments would promote desirable operational outcomes and optimize the health and performance of service members.