Psychophysiological effects of repetitive tasks

Abstract

We measured the effects of four different repetitive tasks on the critical fusion frequency, electroencephalogram, electrocardiogram, electromyogram of the neck, urinary catecholamine excretion rate and subjective assessment. The four tasks were characterized by different psychological requirements.

All repetitive tasks were associated with depressed alpha activity, elevated heart rate and elevated adrenaline excretion. Compared with the two tasks not involving discrimination, those requiring discrimination were accompanied by a higher neck muscle tension, a lower heart rate variability, stronger feelings of tension and weaker feelings of boredom and drowsiness. During CFF measurements, alpha activity was elevated, heart rate and muscle tension depressed, suggesting that the subject was in a state of relaxation compared with work.