Characterizing alterations in attention networks under high mental workload

Wu, Lin; Ouyang, Anping; Tang, Xu; Sun, Kewei; Ma, Chaozong; Feng, Tingwei; Li, Yijun; Wang, Lingling; Lu, Huijie; Lin, Xinxin; Li, Chenxi; Zhang, Tian; Li, Kuiliang; Fang, Peng; Wu, Shengjun; Huang, Daqing; Ren, Lei; Liu, Xufeng · 2026 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-41477-4

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Summary

This study investigates how high mental workload (HMW) alters the functioning of attention networks. HMW, defined as an imbalance between task demands and available cognitive resources, is prevalent in high-pressure occupations and can lead to cognitive depletion, performance decrements, and safety risks. While various methods exist to induce HMW in laboratory settings, many lack sufficient complexity or induce boredom rather than genuine cognitive overload. This research aimed to characterize specific changes in attention network efficiency under HMW using a robust induction paradigm and multimodal assessment tools, including behavioral tests, subjective ratings, and eye-tracking metrics. The study employed a convenience sample of 92 male university students aged 18–24. HMW was induced using the 1-back Stroop (BS) cognitive task, a 60-minute paradigm combining color-word Stroop and spatial 1-back tasks to engage attention, working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility under time pressure. Attention network efficiency was assessed using the Attention Network Test-Revised (ANT-R) before and after HMW induction. Subjective states were measured via a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for mental fatigue, effort, stress, boredom, and mind wandering. Eye-tracking data were collected using an EyeLink 1000 Plus system. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to compare pre- and post-induction metrics. Results indicated that HMW induction significantly increased subjective reports of mental fatigue, mental effort, mental stress, boredom, and mind wandering. Behaviorally, the ANT-R revealed significant alterations in attention network efficiency: alert efficiency (sustained attention) decreased significantly, while moving+engaging (selective attention), flanker conflict (executive control), and location conflict values increased significantly. Accuracy rates remained unchanged. Eye-tracking data showed significant increases in both average saccade duration and blink count following HMW induction. These findings demonstrate that the BS task effectively induces HMW and that this state is characterized by reduced alerting efficiency, increased conflict processing costs, and specific oculomotor changes. The study concludes that the ANT-R is a valid tool for assessing attention network alterations under HMW. The findings provide empirical evidence that HMW specifically impairs sustained attention while increasing the cognitive cost of conflict resolution and selective attention shifts. This research validates the BS paradigm as an effective method for HMW induction and lays the groundwork for developing targeted assessment and intervention strategies for occupational populations facing high cognitive demands.

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• sustained attention vigilance
• workload measurement

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• Theoretical Contribution: theory or model