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February 24, 2026Scientific Reports0 citationsOpen Access

Impact of thermal-acoustic exposure on human performance of healthy adults: simulation of traffic noise and thermal conditions in the urban environment

RYRaziyeh YousefinezhadMazandaran University of Medical Sciences NJNavid JamchiMazandaran University of Medical Sciences MAM AmrolahiShahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services

Puntos clave

This study aims to investigate the effects of concurrent exposure to traffic noise and thermal stress on physiological and cognitive performance.
Crossover experimental design with 80 healthy participants.
Participants exposed to four conditions: control, thermal, traffic noise, and combined exposure.
Physiological parameters measured include heart rate, blood pressure, tympanic temperature, and mean skin temperature.
Cognitive performance assessed using the Stroop test and n-back test.
Statistical analysis performed using repeated-measures ANOVA.
Combined exposure to thermal stress and traffic noise resulted in the highest physiological alterations.
Core temperature significantly increased during noise and combined exposure conditions.
Diastolic blood pressure elevated under thermal and combined conditions.
Heart rate showed significant increase during combined exposure.
CPT reaction time significantly lengthened across conditions, especially in thermal and combined situations.

Resumen

Occupants in many urban and occupational environmental settings are simultaneously exposed to environmental traffic noise and heat stress. These combined exposures may have adverse effects on physiological functions and cognitive performance. This study aimed to assess the effects of concurrent exposure to traffic noise and thermal stress under controlled laboratory conditions. In this crossover experimental study, 80 healthy participants (mean age: 25.3 ± 2.8 years) were exposed to four exposure conditions: (1) control (comfort), (2) thermal (WBGT = 30.62 °C), (3) traffic noise (75 dBA), and (4) combined exposure (WBGT = 30.62 °C and75 dBA). Physiological parameters including heart rate, blood pressure, tympanic temperature, and mean skin temperature were recorded. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Stroop test (for selective attention) and n-back test (for working memory). Repeated-measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Exposure to combined heat and traffic noise produced the most pronounced physiological and cognitive alterations among all test conditions. Core temperature rose significantly during noise (p = 0.008) and combined exposure (p = 0.007). Diastolic blood pressure increased under thermal (p = 0.001) and combined conditions (p < 0.001). Heart rate also elevated during combined exposure (p = 0.032). CPT reaction time lengthened significantly across conditions (p = 0.001), with the thermal and combined situation more than control (post hoc p < 0.05, p < 0.01). All n-back outcomes showed statistically significant differences across exposure conditions at levels 2 and 3, and for incorrect responses and mean reaction time at level 1 (p < 0.001). Simultaneous exposure to traffic noise and thermal stress amplifies both physiological strain and cognitive impairment compared to single exposures. These findings highlight the importance of integrated exposure assessment and risk mitigation strategies in occupational environments, especially in warm and noisy settings.

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