the relationship between helmet weight, cognitive performance, and mental workload

Introduction: this study sought to examine the effects of helmet weight on cognitiveperformance and mental workload. twenty participants were studied in 3 one-hour sessions.methods: the study participants were requested to read and work with computers underthe following 3 conditions: wearing no helmets, wearing a helmet that weighed 800 g (a),and a helmet weighing 1500 g (b). “n-back” task and continuous performance test (cpt)were employed to assess cognitive performance. at the same time, nasa-tlx and thermalcomfort and fatigue perception scale were used to evaluate mental workload and comfort. atthe end of the intervention sessions, perceived mental workload, thermal comfort, and fatiguein the head were measured. moreover, the research participants’ cognitive performance wasgauged before and after the sessions.results: the present study findings revealed that helmet weight significantly impactedcognitive performance (p<0.001). however, no significant difference was detected in theparticipants’ mental workload before and after the intervention.conclusion: helmet weight could affect cognitive performance. therefore, in designinghelmets, the helmet’s weight should be considered an essential factor.