Proposing an Estimation Method of Mental Fatigue by Measuring Learner’s Leg Movement

Abstract

In this research, we propose a method to estimate themental fatigue of learner by measuring leg movement. Generally, fatigue of a learner in a class gradually increases with time. Taking short breaks can effectively mitigate this problem. However, it is challenging to conduct short breaks at an appropriate timing in consideration of the learner’s mental state. In this research, we focus on the movement of learner’s legs and propose a method to estimate learner’s fatigue from the number of transitions. Experiments were conducted to investigate whether fatigue estimation is possible. A 10-min mental arithmetic task was imposed on the subjects and repeated multiple times. We recorded the movement of legs during the task. Also, we administered a questionnaire to measure the subjective degree of fatigue every time the mental arithmetic task is completed. The result of analysis of the leg movement and the answer to the questionnaire, revealed that there was a significant correlation between the number of transitions of leg posture and the subjective degree of fatigue. From these results, we concluded that fatigue of the learner could be estimated by measuring leg movement.