MONITORING AND ANALYSIS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS FOR COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT

Abstract

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) comes from two distinct fields, cognitive theory and behavioural theory. CBT is a process of teaching, coaching, and reinforcing positive behaviours. The CBT is generally administered with some kind of intervention viz, meditation, yoga, video games, specialised training, etc. For our study we have decided to use the training and range firing as interventions to assess the cognitive enhancement in the subjects. Training in any organisation is the foundation stone. A better skilled and trained person is an asset to the organisation. The training has many phases encompassing different physical and mental tasks. The trainees inculcate themselves in the organisation by acquiring skills in a phased manner over the entire period of the training. Initial stage can be thought as the learning or acquiring stage and time progresses they become less dependent on the learning and gets automatic in their action. This transition from a trainee or novice to an expert will be indicated by various physiological parameters. For our study, we have used Electroencephalography (EEG) signals, Heart Rate Variability and Blood Pressure. These signals were recorded over a span of six months of the subjects and also of the experts. The signals were analysed, compared with that of experts and a trend was determined. Apart from this a paper-pen evaluation and cognitive and psycho- motor assessment was carried out. The results were compared and a definite pattern or indices for the assessment of cognitive enhancement has been proposed in this study. As a part of the study of second intervention, the cognitive state with rifle firing was analysed. The acquisition of core skill of firing at initial stage will induce stress, anxiety, fear, etc. in the trainees. The recordings using the modalities discussed above was done prior and post firing event in this study. The parameters of the trainees recorded prior to firing indicated the anxious, stressful state of the mind i.e. low cognitive state. The cognitive state got elevated post firing suitably indicated by the physiological parameters.