Quantifying Cognitive Load using EEG during Ambulation and Postural Tasks.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Cognitive load is crucial for evaluating assistive devices like prostheses and exoskeletons.
• Traditional cognitive load assessment relies on indirect physiological measures, limiting accuracy.
• Mobile electroencephalography (EEG) offers direct, robust cognitive load measurement, but lacks standardized protocols for dynamic activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a proof-of-concept protocol for measuring cognitive load using mobile EEG during ambulatory and postural tasks.
• To validate the use of an auditory oddball task to elicit P3 event-related potentials (ERP) for cognitive load assessment.
• To compare cognitive load during sitting, standing, and walking using the developed protocol.

Main Methods:

• Developed a protocol using an auditory oddball cognitive task to elicit P3 event-related potentials (ERP).
• Administered the protocol during sitting, standing, and treadmill walking tasks.
• Collected EEG data for approximately 5 minutes per task.

Main Results:

• The protocol successfully elicited P3 ERPs in all three tasks (sitting, standing, walking).
• A significant difference in P3 was observed between sitting and walking tasks (p = .012) after 30 minutes.
• This difference suggests a higher cognitive load associated with walking compared to sitting.

Conclusions:

• The proposed mobile EEG protocol is effective for measuring cognitive load during basic postural and ambulatory activities.
• The findings indicate that walking imposes a greater cognitive load than sitting, as measured by P3 ERP amplitude.
• This protocol provides a foundation for standardized cognitive load assessment in real-world assistive device use.