Mental Workload in Neuropsychology: An Example With the NASA-TLX in Adults With HIV

A preliminary set of analyses are presented, where workload was examined in 32 adults infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Like current COVID-19 pandemic (caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus), HIV can produce a wide variety symptoms, including various levels cognitive dysfunction. In fact, recent meta-analysis estimates that 39 million globally HIV, 42.6% exhibit some form HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder. common symptom is decline attention and executive functioning. Though typically clinicians less precise traditional paper-and-pencil neuropsychological tests, we this aspect functioning using more psychometrically sophisticated task as had HIV-positive perform computerized tracking single, dual, tri-task conditions via Multi-Attribute Task (MAT) Battery. Also assessed mental workload, NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), rarely used neuropsychology but standard tool factors neuroergonomics research. As expected, performance declined condition difficulty ( p < 0.001). Although no direct statistical comparisons were made, MAT here appeared worse than other groups reported research literature our laboratory. Ratings also tended to increase function Plotting against Mental Demand subscale scores, large individual differences evident both optimal sub-optimal performance. To examine likely variables potential impact on Demand, (nadir CD4 count, viral load, depression diagnosis AIDS, presence opportunistic infection, general status, etc.) relation scale, age showing significant association r = 0.41, 0.022) AIDS trend associations s ≥ 0.066). Findings suggesting deficit metacognition or insight discussed. It argued assessment (and its aspects components) provide valuable additional information neuropsychology.