Evaluating the Effectiveness of Using Electroencephalogram Power Indices to Measure Visual Fatigue

Abstract

Electroencephalography (EEG) is widely used in cognitive and behavioral research. This study evaluates the effectiveness of using the EEG power index to measure visual fatigue. Three common visual fatigue measures, critical-flicker fusion (CFF), near-point accommodation (NPA), and subjective eye-fatigue rating, were used for comparison. The study participants were 20 men with a mean age of 20.4 yr. (SD = 1.5). The experimental task was a car-racing video game. Results indicated that the EEG power indices were valid as a visual fatigue measure and the sensitivity of the objective measures (CFF and EEG power index) was higher than the subjective measure. The EEG beta and EEG alpha were effective for measuring visual fatigue in short- and long-duration tasks, respectively. EEG beta/alpha were the most effective power indexes for the visual fatigue measure.

Effects of Viewing Displays from Different Distances on Human Visual System

“…Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the visual fatigue caused because of watching 3D displays using electroencephalogram (EEG) [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. The EEG method is selected as it is the most significant and reliable physiological measure for evaluating mental fatigue [17][18][19][20][21].…”

“…Using the frequency domain of the EEG signals, particularly frequency bandwidths, help in revealing the functional states of the brain [22,23]. De Waard [22], and Fisch and Spehlmann [23] classified the EEG signal into four characteristic waves based on their frequency, namely delta wave (δ, 0-4 Hz), theta wave (θ, 4-8 Hz), alpha wave (α, [8][9][10][11][12][13], and beta wave (β, 13-30 Hz). The delta (δ) wave is usually related to the depth of sleep; moreover, this wave is associated with specific encephalopathic diseases and underlying lesions [13].…”

“…The results showed that the power spectral entropy reduced significantly after viewing 3D TV for a long time, thus indicating the decrease in the attention level of the participants. Hsu and Wang [10] investigated whether the EEG power indices (α, β, θ/α, β/α, and (α + θ)/β) were useful measures of visual fatigue when playing TV video games. The results revealed that the power indices of the EEG were valid indicators to measure visual fatigue.…”

“…The results revealed that the power indices of the EEG were valid indicators to measure visual fatigue. Hsu and Wang [10] found that β/α, β, and α EEG power were good choices to measure visual fatigue, but β/α was the best. The decreases in β/α and β power indices and increase in α power index were related to visual fatigue.…”

“…Previous studies have focused on spectral variations in the various EEG frequency bands [5][6][7][8][9][10]17,[25][26][27]. It has often been hypothesized that through changes in attention or onset of visual fatigue, the low-frequency waves in the EEG such as δ, θ, and α will increase, while the higher frequency waves such as β will decrease.…”