Cerebral haemodynamics during simulated driving: Changes in workload are detectable with functional near infrared spectroscopy.

ABSTRACT: Motor vehicle operation is a complicated task and substantial cognitive resources are required for safe driving. Experimental paradigms examining cognitive workload using driving simulators often introduce secondary tasks, such as mathematical exercises, or utilise simulated in-vehicle information systems. The effects of manipulating the demands of the primary driving task have not been examined in detail using advanced neuroimaging techniques. This study used a manipulation of the simulated driving environment to test the impact of increased driving complexity on brain activity. Fifteen participants drove in two scenarios reflecting common driving environments differing in the amount of vehicular traffic, frequency of intersections, number of buildings, and speed limit restrictions. Funct

SUBMITTER: Bloomfield PM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7954296 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature