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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-06-2011 | Original Article

The relation of cognitive load and pupillary unrest

Authors: Andreas Müller, Raluca Petru, Lucia Seitz, Ines Englmann, Peter Angerer

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 5/2011

Abstract

Objective

This study examines the relationship between pupillary unrest (PU) and cognitive load.

Background

PU represents a measure of reduced central nervous tonic arousal (sleepiness). A loss of tonic arousal can be associated with difficulties in maintaining the required level of performance. Thus, the measurement of tonic arousal in occupational contexts can help to prevent overload or errors.

Method

We compared a group with high cognitive load (30 apron controllers of an international airport) with a control group with low cognitive load (63 healthy people during their free time) in a non-randomized experimental design with pre- and post-test assessment of PU. PU was scanned by an infrared sensor with a frequency of 25 Hz and a resolution of .05 mm. To control for circadian effects, measurements for both groups were taken at the same time of the day.

Results

High PU at the start of the shift correlated with high perceived load during the shift. There were no indications of reverse effects. Analyses of group x time effects with generalized linear models (repeated measures) revealed that cognitive load did in no way affected PU.

Conclusion

Initially low tonic arousal (indicated by high PU) may predict subsequent workload, but being exposed to high cognitive load does not influence tonic arousal after the end of the shift. With that, the study contributes to valid interpretations of pupillary unrest measurements in occupational contexts.

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Title: The relation of cognitive load and pupillary unrest
Authors: Andreas Müller
Raluca Petru
Lucia Seitz
Ines Englmann
Peter Angerer
Publication date: 01-06-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-010-0590-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The relation of cognitive load and pupillary unrest

Abstract

Objective

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

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