Effects of Physical Load on Mental Workload During Cognitive Tasks
Author Information
Author(s): Cheng Shan, Cong Lin, Hui Duoduo, Teng Chaolin, Li Wenbin, Ma Jin
Primary Institution: Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
Hypothesis
The study evaluates whether concurrent physical load affects mental workload during cognitive tasks.
Conclusion
Concurrent physical activities significantly increase mental workload and enhance functional connectivity in the prefrontal cortex during cognitive tasks.
Supporting Evidence
- Concurrent physical activities increased NASA-TLX scores and decreased task performance.
- Functional connectivity between the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and bilateral orbital frontal cortex was significantly enhanced under high physical and cognitive loads.
- Behavioral indicators showed that cognitive tasks induced different levels of mental workload.
Takeaway
When you do hard thinking tasks while also exercising, your brain works harder and connects better in certain areas.
Methodology
Thirty-three healthy male subjects performed cognitive tasks while engaging in isotonic contraction aerobic exercise, with fNIRS used to measure brain activity.
Limitations
The cognitive load levels were relatively low, limiting exploration of cognitive overload effects.
Participant Demographics
Healthy male subjects aged 20 to 32 years, average age 23.4 ± 3.5 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website