Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
5-31-1986
Degree Name
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Biomedical Engineering Committee
First Advisor
Howard Gage
Second Advisor
David S. Kristol
Third Advisor
Richard Clyde Parker
Abstract
Stresses in man-machine systems can be broadly classified as (1) physical and (2) mental. Both types of stresses generate some kind of response in the human body. These responses could be physiological (quantitative) or behavioral (qualitative). While the physical stresses mostly create physiological changes, mental stresses may cause physiological and/or behavioral changes. The purpose of this study is to investigate such influences, and try to determine if stimulants such as coffee have any effect on people's ability to perform tasks involving a combination of physical and mental elements.
An attempt has been made to describe an interrelationship between physical exertion and mental performance. Data was collected on 24 selected college students who performed various mental arithmetic calculations at elevated heart rate levels (physical stress) in a limited amount of time (mental stress). A number of subjects from the original group participated in two follow-up double-blind studies, performing the same experiments after having ingested regular or decaffeinated coffee 30 minutes before their test.
The results of this study indicate that a submaximal amount of physical work improves mental performance. The results of the follow-up experiments show that ingestion of coffee improves mental performance, but caffeine does not seem to be a significant factor in the improved performances.
Recommended Citation
Shafiei, Alireza, "Effects of physical exertion and caffeine ingestion on mental performance" (1986). Theses. 3377.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/3377
