Technical and Scientific Research in Prevention, Safety and Health of High-Performance Activities

Dear Colleagues,

In the world of work, there are professions that, because of their nature, require personnel to perform work in the most demanding, hazardous conditions. Physical and mental fatigue linked to the extreme environment creates a physiological imbalance, which leads to acute health issues or even death. However, prevention can be achieved by approaches that can act in their own way or synergistically with others. For example, on one hand, adequate training and management and, on the other, the use of personal equipment or engineering solutions designed to meet the activity’s demands.

Within these professions are those linked to security and civil protection, such as the military, police, and firefighters; workers subjected to extreme temperatures, including those moving materials in cold rooms or hot environments such as metallurgical and mining workers; and occupations that require attention for long periods with reduced physical activity, such as air traffic controllers or long-distance drivers.

Other professions, such as divers, climbers, and hospital personnel, can also be included in this scope.

The prevention of these professions’ risks requires a multidisciplinary approach to the occupational conditions and environmental exposures that these workers are subjected to.

The prediction of the physiological response and/or its knowledge in real-time can safeguard health and save lives. Identifying the signs of physical fatigue or behavioral changes can prevent accidents and illnesses, both physical and mental. Bio-signal monitoring systems with remote communication potential can lead occupational safety and health to new frontiers, preventing irreversible limits from being exceeded.

In this Special Issue, contributions are welcome in biomechanics, ergonomics, medicine, psychology, physiology, rehabilitation, endocrinology, biochemistry, electronics, communications, engineering, or any other discipline that can contribute to identifying problems and pointing out solutions.

High-quality research papers, case studies, and review articles will be accepted using the PRISMA methodology. Experts in the field will review all contributions.

Among others, the following research topics are sought for this Special Issue:

• Firefighters;
• Military personnel;
• Police force;
• High performance;
• Workers subjected to extreme temperatures;
• Occupational physical activity;
• Physical fitness;
• Training and injury prevention;
• Stress reactions;
• Coping strategies;
• Job loading;
• Workplace;
• Fatigue assessment and management;
• Personal protective equipment uses and technical advances;
• Technological systems and their effect on health.

Dr. María de las Nieves González García
Dr. João dos Santos Baptista
Dr. Joana Cristina Cardoso Guedes
Guest Editors

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