Measuring the Domain Specificity of Workload Using EEG: Auditory and Visual Domains in Rotary-Wing Simulated Flight

Abstract

Objective: The overarching objective was to evaluate whether workload sensory-domain specificity could be identified through electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings during simulated rotary-wing operations. Background: Rotary-wing aviators experience workload from different sensory domains, although predominantly through auditory and visual domains. Development of real-time monitoring tools using psychophysiological indices, such as EEG recordings, could enable identification of aviator overload in real time. Method: Two studies were completed, both of which recorded EEG, task performance, and self-report data. In Study 1, 16 individuals completed a basic auditory and a basic visual laboratory task where workload was manipulated. In Study 2, 23 Army aviators completed simulated aviation flights where workload was manipulated within auditory and visual sensory domains. Results: Results from Study 1 found differences in frontal alpha activity during the auditory task, and that alpha and beta activities were associated with perceived workload. Frontal theta activity was found to differ during the visual task while frontal alpha was associated with perceived workload. Study 2 found support for frontal beta activity and the ratio of beta to alpha + theta to differentiate level of workload within the auditory domain. Conclusion: There is likely a role of frontal alpha and beta activities in response to workload manipulations within the auditory domain; however, this role becomes more equivocal when examined in a multifaceted flight scenario. Application: Results from this study provide a basis for understanding changes in EEG activity when workload is manipulated in sensory domains that can be used in furthering the development of real-time monitoring tools.