Decision making ability and thermoregulation in extreme environments during goal line official-like movement patterns

Goal line officials (GLO) are exposed to extreme environmental conditions when employed to officiate in European cup competitions. Extreme environments have been shown previously to affect various facets of cognitive function. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of such environments on GLO. 13 male participants were exposed to 3 conditions, cold (-5 oC, 50% RH); temperate (18 oC, 50% RH); and hot (30 oC, 50% RH) for 90 minutes per condition, with a 15 minutes half time break after 45 minutes. Decision making ability was measured; using the Psyche Software Package, prior to each exposure (0 minutes), at the end of the first half (45 minutes), immediately after half time (45 minutes), and at the end of the second half (90 minutes). Exposure to cold conditions reduced positive stimuli responses (HIT scores) significantly when compared to hot conditions (P