EMG provides an earlier glimpse into the effects of cognitive distraction on brake motor response

Abstract

A driver’s ability to quickly perceive and respond to hazards is critical for traffic safety. With limited cognitive resources, any added distractions are likely to increase response times. This study analyzed the effect of two cognitive distraction tasks, 1-back and countdown, on total brake-response time and its subcomponents: perception and leg movement times (n=6). Participants sat in a stationary vehicle and responded to a light stimulus by moving their foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal as quickly as possible. Electromyography (EMG) recordings of the lower leg muscle provided earlier detection of movement onset compared to accelerator pedal motion. Performing a cognitive task was found to increase perception and total brake-response time compared to the baseline condition. There were no significant differences observed in leg movement time while performing either of the distraction tasks versus the baseline. Implications for areas of improvement and future works are discussed.