A Comparison of Cerebral Activity in the Prefrontal Region between Young Adults and the Elderly while Driving

The aim of this study was to investigate the difference of cerebral activity in the prefrontal region between young adults and elderly subjects during driving. The procedure of the experiment was explained to the subjects and informed consent was obtained. 14 young male adults (21.6±0.76 yrs), 7 elderly males (69.9±4.91 yrs), and 7 elderly females (66.6±6.02 yrs) volunteered for the experiments. Non-invasive measurement of regional cerebral activity was estimated by measuring the deoxygenated hemoglobin, oxygenated hemoglobin, and total hemoglobin of both sides of the prefrontal region using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and time-resolved spectroscopy (TRS). The distance to the vehicle in front, speed, and braking were recorded and drivers' behavior was obtained using a CCD camera and video recorder. Temperature and relative humidity in the experimental car were 23–25 deg Centigrade and 30–40%RH, respectively. Background noise in the car was 50–65 dB (A). The less experienced young adults display a greater increase in prefrontal cerebral activity than do experienced young adults during driving. Prefrontal cerebral activity in elderly subjects is lower than that in young adults at rest and shows little variation compared with young adults during driving. Less experienced young adults and elderly males display similar behavior patterns in driving, such as not observing the door mirror carefully when changing lane. The less experienced young adults are considered to be less adapted to driving. It is possible to evaluate adaptability for driving by means of measuring cerebral hemodynamic changes while driving.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13453475
• Authors:
  • Harada, Hajime
  • Nashihara, Hiroshi
  • Morozumi, Kiyotaka
  • Ota, Hiroo
  • Hatakeyama, Eiko
• Publication Date: 2007

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 409-414
• Serial:
  • Journal of Physiological Anthropology
  • Volume: 26
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Japan Society of Physiological Anthropology (JSPA)
  • ISSN: 1345-3475
  • Serial URL: http://www.jphysiolanthropol.com/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aged; Aged drivers; Attention; Attention lapses; Automobile drivers; Automobile driving; Females; Gender; Human factors; Males; Physiological aspects; Recently qualified drivers; Young adults
• Uncontrolled Terms: Cerebral blood flow
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Society; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01082187
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 30 2007 7:21AM