Using EEG and fNIRS Measurements for Analysis on the Effects of Heat Stress on Short-term Memory Performance

Abstract

Stress in various amounts has the potential to reduce the efficiency of one’s ability to perform various tasks. Heat stress specifically is a natural element that is often experienced by firefighters while they are on duty, due to both the environments they are exposed to, and the heavy protective gear that they wear. This study analyzed a subject’s stress levels using fNIRS and EEG while they played a PC game that tested their short-term memory. Trials were conducted and compared while subjects both wore and did not wear turnout firefighter gear. Heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and body temperature were also measured. EEG and fNIRS data were analyzed and processed via MATLAB. The data indicates that although stress was experienced when tested against a memory game, performance of short-term memory was not substantially impaired by it. The results of the gear and no gear trials were compared and indicated that wearing gear slightly amplified the amount of stress that was felt when testing short-term memory, although it also did not have a significantly detrimental impact on memory.