Effect of temperature on attention ability based on electroencephalogram measurements

Abstract In this study, subjects' attention abilities in seven predicted mean vote (PMV) conditions (−3 to +3) were measured using electroencephalograms (EEGs). A total of 49 EEG recordings were performed (in seven PMV conditions for seven subjects), each lasting for 65 min. EEGs were recorded through the scalp and sorted by frequency using power spectral analysis. The best PMV condition for attention ability changed over time, from slightly cooler temperatures to higher temperatures. However, extreme PMV conditions led to poor attention ability during the experiment. The highest attention level was at PMV +1, according to our EEG analysis, but was reported as both PMV 0 and + 1 by the subjects. The lowest attention level was in higher temperature conditions (PMV +2, +3), according to subjects' own evaluations, while the lowest brain activity was measured in lower temperature conditions (PMV -2, −3).