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Driving Simulator Training Is Associated with Reduced Inhibitory Workload in Older Drivers
Gianclaudio Casutt1,2,3, Mike Martin4,5, Lutz Jäncke6,7,8
1Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14/25, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland. g.casutt@psychologie.uzh.ch.
Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 27, 2019
Summary
Ten driving simulator sessions reduced older adults' brain workload during cognitive tasks. This neuroplastic change may improve real-world driving performance and safety.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Older adults often exhibit higher brain workload and difficulties in demanding cognitive tasks compared to younger individuals.
- Elevated mental workload is frequently linked to unsafe driving behaviors in older drivers.
- This study investigates the impact of driving simulator training on cognitive workload and driving performance in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if 10 active driving simulator training sessions can positively influence brain workload in older drivers.
- To examine the relationship between changes in brain workload and improvements in on-road driving performance.
- To compare the effects of driving simulator training versus attention training on cognitive workload.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-one healthy older drivers (62-87 years) were randomized into driving simulator, attention-training, or control groups.
- Brain workload (theta Fz/alpha Pz) and performance on inhibition tasks (Stroop, Negative Priming, Flanker) were measured.
- Multiple regression analysis with planned comparisons was used to analyze training gains in 77 participants who completed the study.
Main Results:
- Driving simulator training led to a reduction in brain workload during inhibition tasks.
- While simulator training did not improve task performance, participants exhibited lower brain workload compared to the attention-training group.
- The study highlights the effectiveness of simulator training in managing cognitive load.
Conclusions:
- Driving simulator training demonstrated superiority over attention training in reducing cognitive brain workload.
- Observed changes in brain workload are associated with potential positive shifts in on-road driving behavior.
- Ten sessions of driving simulator training induce beneficial neuroplastic changes, showcasing the plasticity of the aging brain and its potential to positively influence driving behavior.
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