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The Neuroergonomics of Vigilance
Matthew E Funke1, Joel S Warm2, Gerald Matthews3
1Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
Human Factors
|February 2, 2017
Summary
Spatial uncertainty in vigilance tasks increases neurophysiological load, leading to poorer signal detection and confirmed declines in cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and increased eye closure. This highlights the taxing nature of tasks with unpredictable signal locations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroergonomics
- Human Factors Engineering
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Neuroergonomics investigates brain functions for work performance.
- Vigilance tasks can lead to resource depletion, oculomotor fatigue, decreased cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV), and increased eye closure (PERCLOS).
- Spatial uncertainty necessitates increased visual scanning, potentially exacerbating fatigue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of spatial uncertainty on cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and oculomotor fatigue during a vigilance task.
- To compare the neurophysiological effects of spatial uncertainty versus spatial certainty in a simulated work environment.
Main Methods:
- Participants performed a simulated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control task.
- Vigilance was assessed under two conditions: spatial uncertainty (random signal locations) and spatial certainty (fixed signal location).
- Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and eye closure (PERCLOS) were monitored.
Main Results:
- Signal detection performance was significantly poorer under spatial uncertainty compared to spatial certainty.
- The predicted temporal decline in CBFV and increased eye closure were confirmed under spatial uncertainty.
- These findings indicate a greater neurophysiological cost associated with spatial uncertainty.
Conclusions:
- Vigilance tasks with spatial uncertainty are more neurophysiologically demanding than those without.
- The neuroergonomic approach is valuable for understanding vigilance task demands and identifying needs for performance aids.
