Citation

Wijesuriya N, Tran Y, Craig A. Int. J. Psychophysiol. 2007; 63(1): 77-86.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article reports on a study of the psychophysiological determinants of fatigue. Driver fatigue is a major risk for road accidents that can often result in injury and death, thus an important area for research. The study used three fatigue outcome measures, including a physiological, psychological, and a combined physiological and psychological measure. Fifty participants performed a driving simulator task until they showed symptoms of fatigue; they were assessed before and after the task. Physiological fatigue was associated with higher levels of baseline delta activity and an extroverted personality. Factors related to the psychological fatigue outcome measure included sleepiness, low healthy lifestyle status, an extroverted personality, tension-prone personality, and negative mood states. The combined outcome measure was associated with factors such as a tension-prone and extroverted personality, low systolic blood pressure, and negative mood states. The authors conclude that it is important to assess fatigue using a range of outcome measures in order to achieve a thorough understanding of the factors that contribute to fatigue. They call for the development of additional strategies to counter fatigue.