Experimental model aimed to study mental fatigue and adaptive function of a daytime nap for restoration of operational capability

The problem of operational capability decreased by fatigue is becoming more and more important. To study this psychophysiological phenomenon we have developed a psychomotor test which models the development of mental fatigue in computer operator. Our subjects had to solve arithmetical sums as precisely and as quickly as possible during two working sessions separated by 90-minute rest period. The method allows to track eye-movements of a working subject and to compare the influence of daytime nap and calm wakefulness on the recuperation of operational capability and visual-motor coordination. The results of the study show that mental work causes deterioration of subjective well-being and activity, and any type of rest restores them to the initial level. Daytime nap is more preferable in comparison with the waking state as a kind of rest, because it ensures the maintenance of well-being and activity at a high level in the course of further work. Further development of this method will contribute to the development of contactless operator’s state monitoring system. It will also help to determine individual characteristics of fatigue development while working at the computer and to determine an optimal strategy of operational capability restoration in case of mental fatigue.

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