Mental Workload and Task Engagement Evaluation Based on Changes in Electroencephalogram

Purpose In this study, electroencephalogram (EEG) signals were used to assess subject's mental workload and task engagement level during a set of neurocognitive tasks in an experimental space suit. Methods EEG signals were collected using a wireless EEG system during two experimental conditions - when subjects did/did not wear space suit. Brain state changes based on EEG changes were quantified and compared with the direct responses of the subjects for different tasks. In addition, a statistical test of significance on the computed EEG index for the two experimental conditions was performed. Results It was found that the spacesuit experiment introduced a greater mental workload where subject's stress levels were higher than control experiment. Results indicated significant differences in task engagement between the spacesuit and control experiments for most of the tasks. Conclusions The findings could be useful in monitoring astronaut's or human subject's cognitive performance in assuring safety as well as improving the performance.