Predicting Workload in Virtual Flight Simulations using EEG Features (Including Post-hoc Analysis in Appendix)

Abstract: Effective cognitive workload management has a major impact on the safety and performance of pilots. Integrating brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) presents an opportunity for real-time workload assessment. Leveraging cognitive workload data from high-fidelity virtual reality (VR) flight simulations allows for dynamic adjustments to training scenarios. While prior studies have predominantly concentrated on EEG spectral power for workload prediction, delving into intra-brain connectivity may yield deeper insights. This study assessed the predictive value of EEG spectral and connectivity features in distinguishing high vs. low workload periods during simulated flight in VR and Desktop conditions. Using an ensemble approach, a stacked classifier was trained to predict workload from the EEG signals of 52 participants. Results showed that the mean accuracy of the model incorporating both spectral and connectivity features improved by 28% compared to the model that solely relied on spectral features. Further research on other connectivity metrics and deep learning models in a large sample of pilots is essential to validate the potential of a real-time workload-prediction BCI. This could contribute to the development of an adaptive training system for safety-critical operational environments.