Relationship between mental workload and salivary cortisol levels: A field study

Work ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 381-386
Author(s):  
Mojgan Zoaktafi ◽  
Reza Kazemi ◽  
Alireza Choobineh ◽  
AliAkbar SaboorYaraghi ◽  
Samane Nematolahi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Nasa Tlx ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
High Level ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index ◽  
The Relationship

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.

scholarly journals A-111 The Relationship between Bilingualism and Perceived Workload on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test in Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 904-904
Author(s):  
Lopez-Hernandez D ◽  
Litvin P ◽  
Rugh-Fraser R ◽  
Cervantes R ◽  
Martinez F ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Language Groups ◽  
Perceived Workload ◽  
Nasa Tlx ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objective We evaluated perceived workload (measured by the NASA Task Load Index; NASA-TLX) as related to Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) performances in monolingual and bilingual traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors and healthy comparison participants (HC). Method The sample consisted of 28 TBI survivors (12 monolinguals & 16 bilinguals) and 50 HC (20 monolinguals & 30 bilinguals). SDMT written (SDMT-W) and SDMT oral (SDMT-O) were used to evaluate group differences. Results ANCOVA, controlling for age, revealed that the HC group outperformed the TBI group on SDMT-W, p = .001, and SDMT-O, p = .047. Furthermore, bilinguals outperformed monolinguals on SDMT-W, p = .017. On the NASA-TLX, an interaction emerged on temporal demand rating, p = .023, with TBI bilinguals reporting higher temporal demand on SDMT tasks compared to TBI monolinguals, while the HC monolingual participants reported higher temporal demands ratings compared to HC bilingual participants. Furthermore, monolingual participants showed higher levels of frustration with regard to the SDMT task compared to bilingual participants, p = .029. Conclusion Our data revealed TBI survivors underperformed on both SDMT trials compared to the HC participants. Also, bilingual participants demonstrated better SDMT-W performances compared to monolingual participants. Furthermore, our TBI bilingual sample reported themselves to be more rushed to complete the SDMT compared to monolingual TBI sample, but they were less frustrated. Meanwhile, our HC monolingual sample felt more rushed to complete the SDMT tasks compared to HC bilingual participants, but they were less frustrated. While we observed differences in workload ratings between language groups, it is unclear if language use, and/or other variables are driving these results.

scholarly journals Ageing drivers’ mental workload in real-time driving tasks based on subjective and objective measures

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3B) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurul Izzah Abd Rahman ◽  
◽  
Siti Zawiah Md Dawal ◽  
Nukman Yusoff ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Workload ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Complex Situation ◽  
The Road ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nasa Tlx ◽  
On The Road ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index ◽  
And Control

The ageing drivers’ population is increasing rapidly, and they are exposed to disabilities due to degenerative processes, thus affecting their driving performance. The main objective of this study is to determine the mental workload of ageing drivers, while the second objective is to compare the mental workload between ageing drivers and control group. The methodology consisted of on-the-road experimental driving tasks that comprised three levels of situation complexity. The NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and electroencephalogram (EEG) were measured on 30 drivers. The NASA-TLX scores revealed that the ageing drivers’ mean physical demand score was the highest compared to others in moderately complex situation and very complex situation, scoring 37.25 and 43.50, respectively. Meanwhile, for electroencephalogram signals’ fluctuation, results showed that situation complexity had significant effects on RPθ and RPα of channel locations FZPZ and O1O2. There was a significant difference in the weighted workload scores for the ageing drivers and control group in simple situation, while there was no significant difference found in RPθ and RPα bands at all channel locations. The findings would be beneficial as a guideline for designers, manufacturers, developers, and policy makers in designing better driving environment for ageing drivers.

scholarly journals Breakfast high in whey protein or carbohydrates improves coping with workload in healthy subjects

2013 ◽  
Vol 110 (9) ◽  
pp. 1712-1721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora Sihvola ◽  
Riitta Korpela ◽  
Andreas Henelius ◽  
Anu Holm ◽  
Minna Huotilainen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
Whey Protein ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Plasma Tryptophan ◽  
Nasa Tlx ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index

Dietary components may affect brain function and influence behaviour by inducing the synthesis of neurotransmitters. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of consumption of a whey protein-containing breakfast drink v. a carbohydrate drink v. control on subjective and physiological responses to mental workload in simulated work. In a randomised cross-over design, ten healthy subjects (seven women, median age 26 years, median BMI 23 kg/m2) participated in a single-blinded, placebo-controlled study. The subjects performed demanding work-like tasks after having a breakfast drink high in protein (HP) or high in carbohydrate (HC) or a control drink on separate sessions. Subjective states were assessed using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), the Karolinska sleepiness scale (KSS) and the modified Profile of Mood States. Heart rate was recorded during task performance. The ratio of plasma tryptophan (Trp) to the sum of the other large neutral amino acids (LNAA) and salivary cortisol were also analysed. The plasma Trp:LNAA ratio was 30 % higher after the test drinks HP (median 0·13 (μmol/l)/(μmol/l)) and HC (median 0·13 (μmol/l)/(μmol/l)) than after the control drink (median 0·10 (μmol/l)/(μmol/l)). The increase in heart rate was smaller after the HP (median 2·7 beats/min) and HC (median 1·9 beats/min) drinks when compared with the control drink (median 7·2 beats/min) during task performance. Subjective sleepiness was reduced more after the HC drink (median KSS − 1·5) than after the control drink (median KSS − 0·5). There were no significant differences between the breakfast types in the NASA-TLX index, cortisol levels or task performance. We conclude that a breakfast drink high in whey protein or carbohydrates may improve coping with mental tasks in healthy subjects.

scholarly journals Identification of the Relationship between Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships and the Operator’s Mental Workload

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 2331
Author(s):  
Masanori Yoshida ◽  
Etsuro Shimizu ◽  
Masashi Sugomori ◽  
Ayako Umeda
Keyword(s):  
Human Error ◽  
Gap Analysis ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Indispensable Tool ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index ◽  
The Relationship

Shipping is an indispensable tool for the sustainable global supply chain, and seafarers play a key role in safe navigation. Maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) have been expected to reduce marine accidents by human error of the seafarers. On the other hand, MASS may have adverse effects on operators’ mental workload (MWL) and increase safety risks in some cases. This research aims to provide a scheme for identifying the relationship between MWL and MASS in the maritime that can be utilised for rulemaking and technological development. The provided scheme identifies the factors that affect the MWL of operators and sub-elements of MWL through gap analysis. Five factors related to MASS operation were defined, in addition to general factors. The case study was carried out by utilising the scheme on typical cases focusing on the normal navigational situation. The NASA task load index method was used to measure MWL. Ten deck officers with various ranks, including the third officer and captain, participated in the case study. The results suggested that various causes such as conflicted situations, machine–human interfaces, mechanical-style movements of the ship, reliability of MASS, and visibility constraints affect the MWL of operators. It also confirmed the verification of the identification scheme.

A Deeper Look at the NASA TLX and Where It Falls Short

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan D. McKendrick ◽  
Erin Cherry
Keyword(s):  
Task Difficulty ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Mental Construct ◽  
Nasa Tlx ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index ◽  
System Designs

The NASA task load index (TLX) is the most used tool for measuring mental workload. The tools widespread use is associated with its pedigree, and its simplicity of application and interpretation. However, the NASA TLX has been criticized for not measuring the mental construct it purports to measure. The particular claim is that the NASA TLX does not measure perceived mental workload, instead it measures perceived task difficulty. We explored this claim using a simple spatial memory task. The results were analyzed with polynomial hierarchical regression. The NASA TLX failed the test of construct validity and, the sub-components each had random interpretations depending on the participant. The second point is particularly troubling, as many system designs could be based on random, non-causal relationships. Both these observations raise doubts in toward the use of the NASA TLX as a calibrated instrument for human factors engineering.

scholarly journals Diurnal Salivary Cortisol in Sarcopenic Postmenopausal Women: The OsteoLaus Cohort

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Gonzalez Rodriguez ◽  
Pedro Marques-Vidal ◽  
Bérengère Aubry-Rozier ◽  
Georgios Papadakis ◽  
Martin Preisig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Body Composition Assessment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractSarcopenia, similar to hypercortisolism, is characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength. Cortisol circadian rhythm changes with aging (blunted late-day nadir values) were suggested to contribute to this decline. We aimed to explore the relationship between diurnal salivary cortisol values and sarcopenia diagnosis and its components in postmenopausal women. This is a cross-sectional study within the OsteoLaus population-based cohort in Lausanne (Switzerland). Participants had a body composition assessment by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), a grip strength (GS) measure, and salivary cortisol measures (at awakening, 30 min thereafter, 11 AM (sc-11AM) and 8 PM (sc-8PM)). Associations between salivary cortisol and sarcopenia diagnosed by six different criteria (based on appendicular lean mass (ALM) assessed by DXA, and muscle strength by GS), and its components, were analyzed. 471 women aged > 50 years (63.0 ± 7.5) were included. Various definitions identified different participants as sarcopenic, who consistently presented higher salivary cortisol at 11 AM and/or 8 PM. There were no associations between salivary cortisol levels and ALM measures, either absolute or after correction to height squared (ALM index) or body mass index. GS was inversely correlated to sc-11AM (r = − 0.153, p < 0.001) and sc-8PM (r = − 0.118, p = 0.002). Each 10 nmol/l increase of sc-11AM, respectively sc-8PM, was associated with a GS decrease of 1.758 (SE 0.472) kg, respectively 2.929 (SE 1.115) kg. In postmenopausal women, sarcopenia is associated with higher salivary cortisol levels at 11 AM and 8 PM. An increase of daily free cortisol levels in the physiological range could participate to sarcopenia development by decreasing muscle function in postmenopausal women.

Relationship between levels of salivary cortisol with depression and suicidal ideation

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1631-1631 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. De Usabel Guzmán ◽  
M.J. Mota Rodríguez ◽  
A. Pampin Alfonso ◽  
J.B. Brenlla Gonzalez ◽  
M.J. Núñez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Santiago De Compostela ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
The Relationship

IntroductionSuicide is a major public health problem in most of the countries because it has a high prevalence in young people. It has been studied that high levels of cortisol are associated with depression and increase of the suicidal risk.ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between cortisol levels in a population of university students and the questionnaire results for the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).MethodThe sample was composed by 106 students of the Nursing School of Santiago de Compostela University. The 88.7% of the sample are women with a mean age of 21.50 + /−2.52, the 99% are unmarried. The protocol consisted in 3 sections: demographic variables, BDI questionnaire with spanish scale and determination of salivary cortisol levels. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS 15.ResultsThe are higher levels of salivary cortisol in students with a greater or equal score to 13 on the BDI with statistically significances differences (p = .000). Students with suicidal ideation (item 9 of the BDI) have highest rates of cortisol, with statistically significant differences (p = 0.001).ConclusionsThis study supports other researchs about the association between biological neuroendocrine markers and affective disorders. Explaining suicidal behavior could help us to prevent it by using early intervention strategies for vulnerable populations. They could also identify markers to establish the risk of suicide.

Subjective Health Complaints, Stress, and Coping in Orchestra Musicians

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-62
Author(s):  
Helene Barone Halleland ◽  
Anette Harris ◽  
Silje Sørnes ◽  
Robert Murison ◽  
Holger Ursin
Keyword(s):  
Subjective Health ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Stress And Coping ◽  
Health Complaints ◽  
Subjective Health Complaints ◽  
Gastrointestinal Complaints ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Relationship

The job of an orchestra musician is characterized by high demands and low control, which is a combination known to predispose to ill health. Research also indicates that musicians have high levels of subjective health complaints, complaints with limited or no objective findings. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between subjective health complaints, stress, and coping in musicians. Thirty-five musicians in the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra filled in questionnaires about work, subjective health complaints, and coping. Saliva samples were collected to measure cortisol levels. The levels of subjective health complaints compared well with normative data from a representative sample of Norwegians, except for an unusually high level of “pseudoneurological” complaints (fatigue, mood changes). High levels of cortisol were positively related to the total number of subjective health complaints, gastrointestinal complaints, and “pseudoneurology” but not to musculoskeletal complaints. A high level of “emotion-focused coping” was associated with higher cortisol levels. Samples obtained during a concert showed a moderate but significant rise in cortisol levels.

scholarly journals ANALYSIS OF DETERMINATION THE NUMBER PERSONNEL BASED ON WORKLOAD ACCORDING TO JOB DESCRIPTION (STUDY CASE IN ACCOUNTING INSTITUTIONS)

JOURNAL ASRO ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Ahmadi Ahmadi ◽  
Wahyu Endriyanto ◽  
Benny Sukandari ◽  
Agus Makhrowi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Workload ◽  
Optimal Number ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Job Description ◽  
Workload Analysis ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Workload Measurement ◽  
Measurement Analysis ◽  
Nasa Tlx

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

scholarly journals ALLOCATION OF MARITIME TASK FORCE PERSONNEL UNIFIL CONTINGEN BASED ON ANALYSIS WORK LOADS

JOURNAL ASRO ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Ahmadi Ahmadi ◽  
Okol Sri Suharyo ◽  
Arimbo Arimbo ◽  
Aab Abdul Wahab
Keyword(s):  
Task Force ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Index Number ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Workload Measurement ◽  
Physical Burden ◽  
Nasa Tlx ◽  
The Right

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

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document