Comparative Analysis of Methods of Evaluating Human Fatigue

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Human Factors Engineering
• Sleep Science

Background:

• Fatigue significantly impacts worker safety and performance in demanding occupations like truck driving.
• Objective and subjective methods are used to assess fatigue, but their comparative effectiveness requires further investigation.
• Understanding fatigue drivers is essential for developing effective risk management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of four distinct methods for estimating fatigue in truck drivers.
• To evaluate the influence of circadian rhythms and work shifts on fatigue levels.
• To provide recommendations for optimal fatigue assessment and management strategies in this population.

Main Methods:

• Utilized actigraphy, core body temperature (CBT) monitoring, the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT), and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS).
• Incorporated postural assessment via the Light Sonometer™ and fatigue prediction using the Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool (FAST).
• Assessed sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Main Results:

• Actigraphy indicated an average sleep duration of 7.2 hours with 93.5% efficiency.
• Core body temperature analysis revealed preserved circadian curves and shift-related differences.
• The Light Sonometer™ indicated lower fatigue risk during day shifts, while PVT showed performance decrements in the fastest 10% of responses; KSS showed no significant differences.
• FAST analysis highlighted a strong circadian influence on fatigue risk.

Conclusions:

• Each fatigue assessment method possesses unique strengths and limitations.
• A combined approach to fatigue risk assessment, incorporating tools like the Sonometer and considering circadian factors, is recommended.
• Continuous monitoring and assessment throughout the workday are vital for managing performance and fatigue effectively.