HRV features such as RMSSD and pNN50 showed weak but statistically significant associations (|r| ≤ 0.080) with subjective cognitive workload across varying temperatures and task complexities.
Cross-Sectional (n=48)
Are HRV features reliable physiological markers of mental workload under varying temperatures and cognitive task complexities in office environments?
HRV features show weak but significant associations with subjective mental workload, which are influenced by temperature and task type.
Estimación del efecto: |r| ≤ 0.080
This study examines the relationships between temperature, cognitive task complexity, and HRV features to determine their reliability as physiological markers of mental workload in office environments. Forty-eight participants completed six cognitive tasks at two complexity levels across four controlled temperatures (22°C, 25°C, 28°C, and 31°C) in a climate chamber. HRV data were recorded using a Polar H10 chest strap, and subjective workload was assessed with the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Correlation analyses revealed that RMSSD, pNN50, Mean HR, Total power, and LF power were the most sensitive HRV features, though all associations were weak in magnitude (|r| ≤ 0.080). While RMSSD and pNN50 consistently showed weak but statistically significant negative associations with subjective workload across conditions, mean HR and total power exhibited positive associations. HRV-workload relationships gradually increased at higher temperatures, with attenuated associations at 28°C, and additional significant associations for SDNN, CVNN, LF power, and SDHR at 31°C after Bonferroni correction. Three-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated that task type significantly affected HRV parameters, particularly SDNN, CVNN, pNN50, IBI (mean RR Interval), SDHR, RMSSD and Total Power, while temperature and task complexity had limited influence. Paired-samples t-tests revealed significant decreases in IBI during PASAT, while significant decreases in HF power and LF/HF ratio were observed during Match to Sample, indicating domain-specific autonomic modulation. These findings highlight the importance of HRV-based workload monitoring and underscore the role of thermal conditions and cognitive task design in supporting office worker performance and well-being.
Anam et al. (Tue,) reported a cross-sectional. Temperature and cognitive task complexity was evaluated on Correlation between HRV features and subjective workload (NASA-TLX) (|r| ≤ 0.080). HRV features such as RMSSD and pNN50 showed weak but statistically significant associations (|r| ≤ 0.080) with subjective cognitive workload across varying temperatures and task complexities.