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The risk of WMSDs is higher in some professions considering the involved risk factors , presenting an important ergonomic issue [1,5]. WMSDs are the main health problems in industrial workers and ergonomists [6,7]. In Europe, WMSDs have been reported to affect 45 million employees [5]. These disorders may reduce productivity and quality, leading to economic and social consequences [8]. Therefore, adequate studies are required in order to prevent and decrease the risk of these disorders.

This study sought to examine the effect of helmet weight on cognitive performance and mental workload. Twenty participants were studied in three one-hour sessions. The participants were asked to read and work with computer under three conditions: while wearing no helmets, while wearing a helmet that weighed 800 g (A), and while wearing a helmet weighing 1500 g (B). “N-back” task and Continuous Performance Test (CPT) were employed to assess cognitive performance, while NASA-TLX and Thermal Comfort and Fatigue Perception Scale were used to evaluate mental work load and comfort. At the end of the intervention sessions, perceived mental workload as well as thermal comfort and fatigue in the head were measured. Moreover, the participants’ cognitive performance was gauged before and after the sessions. The findings revealed that helmet weight had a significant impact on cognitive performance (p<0.001). Nonetheless, no significant difference was detected in the participants’ mental workload before and after the intervention. It was thus argued that helmet weight could affect cognitive performance.Therefore, in designing helmets, the weight of the helmet should be considered as an important factor.

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