The influence of mental fatigue on facial EMG activity during a simulated workday

Biol Psychol. 2003 Apr;63(1):59-78. doi: 10.1016/s0301-0511(03)00025-5.

Abstract

The present study investigated whether facial EMG measures are sensitive to the effects of fatigue. EMG activity of the corrugator and frontalis muscles was recorded during and after a simulated workday. Fatigue was evaluated in four ways: (a) the building up of fatigue effects during the workday, (b) the building up of fatigue during a test period, (c) examination of after-effects of the workday in two test sessions in the evening, and (d) comparison of subjects with a high-and low-score on an Emotional Exhaustion questionnaire. EMG activity decreased during the workday and increased again in the evening. EMG activity also increased during a test period, reflecting increased mobilization to maintain performance. High-score subjects showed a lower level of EMG activity throughout the entire workday. They reported a higher need for recovery, experienced the workday as more fatiguing, and were less well rested when getting up. EMG measures seem to reflect that high-score subjects have problems with investing sufficient energy to maintain performance during a workday.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electromyography / instrumentation
  • Facial Expression*
  • Facial Muscles / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Fatigue / physiopathology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors