The Effects of Physical and Psychological Stress on Task Load Assesment and Grammatical Reasoning Among Special Forces Soldiers

Author(s):  
Kari Kallinen ◽  
Tommi Ojanen

We examined the effects of a stressful training course exercise on soldiers stress hormone (cortisol levels), subjective workload and grammatical reasoning. Saliva samples, Baddeley 3-minute reasoning test and NASA-TLX workload assessment were collected 10 minutes before the course (PRE measurement), immediately after the course (POST measurement) and 12 and 20 minutes after the course (Recovery 1 and Recovery 2 measurements). Workload was lowest in PPE-measurement, highest in POST-measurement immediately after the course and declined near to the PRE level during the recovery measurements. The levels of cortisol concentrations and grammatical reasoning test scores followed the same trend.

Author(s):  
Jia hui Ma ◽  
Bernadette McCrory ◽  
David Claudio

Background: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) a nd Surgery Task Load Index (SURG-TLX) are two subjective workload m easurement instruments. Both instruments provide unweighted andweightedworkload measurements. Weighted TLX m easures have seldomly been used byresearchers typically becauseof its high correlation with unweighted TLX a nd addedexperimentaltime to collect pairwise weightings. Therefore, theaim of thestudy wa s to compare weighted TLX scores with unweighted TLX scores and each’s sensitivity for demographic and experimentalfactors. Methods: Two simulated la paroscopic single site surgery tasks were completedusing four surgicalmethods by 25 participants. Pearson correlations, principle componentanalyses and mixed effect models were used to compare the unweightedandweighted TLXscores across tasks a nd methods. Results: There was a high correlation(r > 0.950, p < 0.001) betweentheunweighted TLXscores and the weighted TLX scores. The weighted TLX scores showed better sensitivity to both demographic and experimental factors for both TLX instruments. Conclusion: The overall weighted NASA-TLX and SURG-TLX scores differed from their respective unweighted scores even with a high correlation. The weighted TLXshowed potentialto better discriminate subjective workloadfor single-site ta sks. Future research is needed to identify and validatea more streamlinedweightingmethodparticularly for complex experimental taskslike single-site surgery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 92 (5) ◽  
pp. 303-311
Author(s):  
Elizabeth K. Combs ◽  
Anna S. Dahlman ◽  
Nita L. Shattuck ◽  
Jennifer A. Heissel ◽  
Lyn R. Whitaker

BACKGROUND: Many workers routinely transition between day and night shiftsincluding pilots, where night flights are commonly considered more stressful. The physiological toll from this transition is not fully understood, though fatigue is a factor in many aviation accidents. This research investigated the changes in physiological markers of stress and cognitive performance as F-22 pilots transitioned from day flying to night flying.METHODS: There were 17 fully-qualified F-22 pilots who took part in a 2-wk data collection using salivary swabs, wrist-worn activity monitors, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) inventory, and a go/no-go (GNG) test.RESULTS: No differences were found in comparing day and night flying on the GNG reaction time/accuracy, NASA-TLX scores, or sleep quantity. Cortisol levels were significantly higher than civilian levels in all experimental conditions and control days. Participants had higher than predicted cortisol levels postflight in the day-flying condition and lower than predicted cortisol levels postflight in the night-flying condition, relative to levels from control day patterns. We also found smaller changes in cortisol (pre- to postflight) in the day-flying condition for those with more F-22 experience. Finally, we found a negative correlation between Perceived Stress Scale scores and age of pilots (r 0.72).DISCUSSION: We hypothesized that the night-flying environment would be more stressful, but our results disputed this claim. Our results suggest day flying elicits more of a stress response; however, a larger sample size is required to verify results. Preliminary findings of potential stress adaptation may suggest stress adaptation in the F-22 community needs further investigation.Combs EK, Dahlman AS, Shattuck NL, Heissel JA, Whitaker LR. Physiological and cognitive performance in F-22 pilots during day and night flying. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(5):303311.


Work ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 381-386
Author(s):  
Mojgan Zoaktafi ◽  
Reza Kazemi ◽  
Alireza Choobineh ◽  
AliAkbar SaboorYaraghi ◽  
Samane Nematolahi ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Mental workload (MW) assessment is a key point in research and development of human-machine interfaces in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the relationship between mental workload and the amount of salivary cortisol amongst technicians of an Iranian combined cycle power plant. METHODS: A total of 18 technicians participated in this pilot study. First, task analysis was carried out to determine operation steps that forced us to separate them in to two groups. Next, the Visual, Auditory, Cognitive, and Psychomotor (VACP) technique and NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) questionnaire were used to examine their mental workload. Then, the operator’s salivary samples were collected at four specific times of both off and working days. Finally, the relationship between mental workload and salivary cortisol was examined with the analysis of Pearson correlation. RESULTS: The results of mental workload assessment with subjective methods showed a high level of mental workload amongst all technicians. No significant association was observed between the NASA-TLX questionnaire and VACP technique with concentration of salivary cortisol (p = 0.081). CONCLUSION: Based on the results, it can be concluded that salivary cortisol might not be an appropriate physiological method to assess mental workload, since cortisol levels are highly dependent on individuals’ circadian rhythm.


Author(s):  
Ahmed Ezzat ◽  
Alexandros Kogkas ◽  
Josephine Holt ◽  
Rudrik Thakkar ◽  
Ara Darzi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Within surgery, assistive robotic devices (ARD) have reported improved patient outcomes. ARD can offer the surgical team a “third hand” to perform wider tasks and more degrees of motion in comparison with conventional laparoscopy. We test an eye-tracking based robotic scrub nurse (RSN) in a simulated operating room based on a novel real-time framework for theatre-wide 3D gaze localization in a mobile fashion. Methods Surgeons performed segmental resection of pig colon and handsewn end-to-end anastomosis while wearing eye-tracking glasses (ETG) assisted by distributed RGB-D motion sensors. To select instruments, surgeons (ST) fixed their gaze on a screen, initiating the RSN to pick up and transfer the item. Comparison was made between the task with the assistance of a human scrub nurse (HSNt) versus the task with the assistance of robotic and human scrub nurse (R&HSNt). Task load (NASA-TLX), technology acceptance (Van der Laan’s), metric data on performance and team communication were measured. Results Overall, 10 ST participated. NASA-TLX feedback for ST on HSNt vs R&HSNt usage revealed no significant difference in mental, physical or temporal demands and no change in task performance. ST reported significantly higher frustration score with R&HSNt. Van der Laan’s scores showed positive usefulness and satisfaction scores in using the RSN. No significant difference in operating time was observed. Conclusions We report initial findings of our eye-tracking based RSN. This enables mobile, unrestricted hands-free human–robot interaction intra-operatively. Importantly, this platform is deemed non-inferior to HSNt and accepted by ST and HSN test users.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-96
Author(s):  
Mitja Ružojčić ◽  
Zvonimir Galić ◽  
Antun Palanović ◽  
Maja Parmač Kovačić ◽  
Andreja Bubić

Abstract. To better understand the process of responding to the Conditional Reasoning Test for Aggression (CRT-A) and its implication for the test's use in personnel selection, we conducted two lab studies in which we compared test scores and eye movements of participants responding honestly and faking the test. Study 1 results showed that, although participants might try to respond differently to the CRT-A while faking, it remains an indirect and unfakeable measure as long as the test's purpose is undisclosed. Study 2 showed that revealing the true purpose of the CRT-A diminishes the test's indirect nature so the test becomes fakeable, solving it requires less attention and participants direct their eyes more to response alternatives congruent with the presentational demands.


JOURNAL ASRO ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Ahmadi Ahmadi ◽  
Wahyu Endriyanto ◽  
Benny Sukandari ◽  
Agus Makhrowi

The workload is highly related to efficient and effective human resource utilization in an organization to achieve organizational objectives, vision, and mission. Various methods are used to optimize the number of personnel in an organization so that each task can be completed quickly and precisely. Accounting Institutions are inseparable from problems regarding the lack of workload with the number of personnel working on it. The change of the Policy gives an impact on the change of Job Description and List of Personnel Arrangements of the organization. To overcome these issues, workload measurement, analysis can be used to determine the optimal amount of personnel required in their working units. This study uses a mental workload measurement so called NASA-TLX and physical workload measurement According to the applicable workload regulation that is in accordance with the Administrative Direction of Workload Analysis. Both methods are then carried out to be compared to each other. The results showed that the physical workload is required in the completion of tasks in each work unit. In addition, the determination of the optimal number of personnel using physical workload or appropriate tasks per task position based Job Description is performed. As a result, it is known that there is an excessive workload in the Sub Service Budget Cost work units with personal shortcomings. On the other hand, there is an excessive personnel number in Administrative Work, Sub Department of Finance Administration and Sub Department Financial Control. The overall conclusion of this study is a need for personnel reduction in a List of Personnel Arrangements currently known as Accounting Institutions to be 39 personnel instead of the existing 48 personnel.  Keywords: Workload, NASA-TLX (Task Load Index), assignments Per Task title, Number of Optimal personnel


JOURNAL ASRO ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Ahmadi Ahmadi ◽  
Okol Sri Suharyo ◽  
Arimbo Arimbo ◽  
Aab Abdul Wahab

The workload of an organization is related to the efficient and effective utilization of human resources so that it can realize the vision, mission and objectives of the organization. Various methods are used to optimize the number of personnel in an organization, so that each task can be completed effectively and efficiently. KRI Diponegoro-365 personnel as the TNI Maritime Task Force, the Garuda Contingent can not be separated from the problems regarding the lack of conformity to workload with the allocation of the number of available personnel. To overcome this, an analysis of workload measurement is needed which can then be used for determine the allocation of the right number of personnel needed in each division. This study uses the measurement of NASA-TLX mental workload and physical workload according to TNI Roles. Both of these methods are then compared between mental and physical burden that occurs. From the results of the comparison, it was found that physical workload is needed in the completion of tasks in each division. After a comparison, then the determination of the allocation of the number of personnel will be carried out using the physical workload approach based on the description of the tasks in each division. The results of the calculation will then show the division that has excess or lack of personnel. The overall results obtained from this study can be concluded that the number of maritime task force personnel using the Diponegoro class KRI is appropriate, but the allocation of personnel in each division needs to adjust to the existing workload.  Keywords: Workload, NASA-TLX (Task Load Index), Number of Military Personnel


1989 ◽  
Vol 64 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1263-1266 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Walter Bordages

Self-actualizing individuals, according to Maslow (1954), are hypothesized to operate autonomously of external expectations due to their undistorted perceptions of their own realistic abilities. Scores on the Personal Orientation Inventory, a measure of self-actualization, were used to divide subjects into high, medium, or low self-actualizing categories. Subjects were given a Logical Reasoning Ability Test over three treatment conditions: high, low, and no expectations with regard to performance. Analyses indicated greater personal autonomy for high and moderate self-actualizing subjects than in nonself-actualizing subjects, who showed the greatest variance in their reasoning test scores.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (01) ◽  
pp. 8-13
Author(s):  
Teguh Aprianto ◽  
Zakiya Muallifa Rahman
Keyword(s):  

Pandemi telah mengubah semuanya tidak terkecuali Indonesia. Pemerintah kembali memperbarui data pandemi virus Corona (COVID-19) di Tanah Air. Tanggal 1 Juni 2021, sebanyak 4.824 tambahan kasus baru, 5.360 kasus sembuh dan 145 kasus meninggal akibat COVID-19. Pemerintah melaporkan sebanyak 4.824 kasus baru, sehingga total positif Corona di Indonesia menjadi 1.826.527 kasus. Ada pula penambahan kasus sembuh sebanyak 5.360, dengan demikian, total kasus sembuh dari Corona mencapai 1.674.479 kasus. Terlebih hal ini terjadi karena penyebaran COVID-19 terjadi melalui interaksi antar sesama yang menyebabkan perlunya social distancing untuk diterapkan di masyarakat. Adanya social distancing ini mengurangi aktivitas bersama dengan lainnya. Masalah kesehatan mental yang muncul akibat pandemi COVID-19 dapat berkembang menjadi masalah kesehatan yang dapat berlangsung lama dan berpotensi menimbulkan beban sosial yang berat. Kesehatan mental adalah aspek penting dalam mewujudkan kesehatan yang menyeluruh. Namun di sebagian besar negara berkembang, masalah kesehatan mental belum diprioritaskan apabila dibandingkan dengan penyakit menular. Hasil penelitian pendahuluan diperoleh dari data mahasiswa yang melakukan praktikum secara daring bahwa mahasiswa mengalami kelelahan dalam praktikum sebanyak 64,3%, peningkatan tingkat stress sebanyak 78,3%, berkurangnya konsentrasi sebanyak 71,3%, tekanan dalam praktikum sebanyak 66,7%, keluhan kesehatan sebanyak 38%, penurunan tingkat kewaspadaan 40,3%, rasa kantuk yang menggannggu sebanyak 72,9%, dan bekerja yang berlebihan 58,1%. Pengukuran beban kerja mental secara subjektif merupakan teknik pengukuran yang paling banyak digunakan karena mempunyai tingkat validitas yang tinggi dan bersifat langsung dibandingkan dengan pengukuran lain. The National Aeronautical and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA TLX).


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1139-1139
Author(s):  
Kristina E Smith ◽  
Daniel W Lopez-Hernandez ◽  
Alexis Bueno ◽  
Rachel A Rugh-Fraser ◽  
Bethany A Nordberg ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective We examined perceived workload as it is related to Brief Visual Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) short-delay and long-delay performance in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and healthy comparison (HC) participants. Method The sample consisted of 39 TBI participants and 54 HC participants. Demographically corrected BVMT-R scores were used to evaluate short-delay and long-delay performances. The perceived workload was measured using the NASA-TLX. Results ANOVA revealed that the HC group outperformed the TBI group on the BVMT-R short-delay and long-delay score, p &lt; 05, η p 2 = 0.05. ANCOVAs controlling for age were used to evaluate NASA-TLX group differences. In regards to the NASA-TLX, TBI participants reported higher levels of physical demand, effort, frustration and overall subjective workload on the BVMT-R short-delay compared to HC participants, p &lt; 05, η p 2 = 0.01–0.09. Furthermore, on the long-delay of the BVMT-R, the NASA-TLX revealed that the TBI group reported higher levels of temporal demand, effort, frustration and overall subjective workload compared to the HC group, p &lt; 0.05, η p 2 = 0.05–0.14. Conclusions Results revealed that TBI participants demonstrated worse BVMT-R performances than HC participants. However, TBI survivors reported higher perceived workload demands compared to the HC group in both short-delay and long-delay of the BVMT-R. Our findings suggest that TBI impacts non-verbal memory performance in both BVMT-R short-delay and long-delay. Also, brain injury may be impacting TBI survivors’ awareness of their non-verbal memory performance. Further work is required to determine what drives the impaired perception of non-verbal memory performance among TBI survivors.


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