A-208 Assessing Workload via the NASA-TLX: A Validation Study with the Trail Making Test and Grooved Pegboard

Abstract

Abstract Objective: Workload is a useful construct in human factors and neuroergonomics research that describes “the perceived relationship between the amount of mental processing capability or resources and the amount required by the task”. We assessed workload in relation to performance on two standard neuropsychological tests, the Trails Making Test and the Grooved Pegboard. Method: Eight college students completed the Trail Making Test (TMT) and the Grooved Pegboard (GP). Workload was assessed with the NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), a self-report measure including several subscales (we focused on Mental Demand and Physical Demand). Specifically, the NASA-TLX was completed immediately after each portion of each test. Results: For the TMT, completion time was greater for Part B versus A, as usual. Mental demand was greater in Part B (M = 44.38, SD = 21.45) versus Part A (M = 10.63, SD = 7.76) (p = .003). There was no difference in physical demand. For the GP, no difference in completion time was evident between DH and NDH. While there was no difference in mental workload, as expected, physical demand did differ between DH (M = 31.88, SD = 27.51) and NDH (M = 43.13, SD = 27.38) (p = .035). Conclusion(s): We validated the NASA-TLX with two standard neuropsychological tests. As expected, mental workload was greater in the more difficult TMT condition. A similar pattern was found with physical workload with the GP. We propose that workload, not normally considered in neuropsychology, might be a valuable tool in the assessment of cognitive status.