A comprehensive review of research on indoor cognitive performance using electroencephalogram technology

Abstract

The electroencephalogram (EEG) has become a crucial tool for evaluating indoor cognitive performance. This paper presents a comprehensive review of indoor cognitive performance studies based on EEG technology over the past two decades, focusing on experimental paradigms, EEG devices, analysis methods, and main findings. The majority of studies (72.58 %) are conducted in controlled climate chambers, with limited field studies. The studies primarily investigate the effects of indoor thermal, acoustic, lighting, air quality, and non-light visual factors on cognitive performance. Notably, increased N1–P3 oscillatory activities are consistently associated with enhanced indoor cognitive performance, and 88.71 % of studies analyze correlations between frequency domain features and cognitive performance, with no consistent trend found. This is related to individual differences, study design, and evaluation indicators. The standard design of experiments is crucial for data sharing and result comparability. Future research should further focus on the effect of multiple indoor environmental factors on cognitive performance and optimize EEG feature extraction. The establishment of comprehensive and open EEG datasets is necessary. Additionally, integration of emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into diverse scenarios, such as underground spaces and cabins. The extended application of EEG technology in studying indoor cognitive performance contributes to create a green, comfortable, and healthy indoor environment.