Effect of Highly Concentrated Oxygen and Stimulus of Odors on the Performance of Secondary Tasks While Driving Using Vehicle Graphic Driving Simulator
In this study, it was observed through the ability of performing secondary tasks and baseline fetal heart rate how the supply of lavender, peppermint and highly concentrated oxygen (40%) affected distraction due to the performance of secondary tasks in the driving environment. Twelve male university students conducted secondary tasks while driving in the environments (6 in total) mixed and designed with oxygen concentration (21%, 40%) and the condition of odors (Normal, Lavender, Peppermint). The test was proceeded in order of stable state (5mins), driving (5mins), and secondary tasks (1min), and by extracting ECG data from every section by 30secs, the mean value of baseline fetal heart rate was calculated. As a result of analysis, in the ability of performing secondary tasks, a percentage of correct answers showed no difference in oxygen concentration and the condition of odors (p > 0.05). In performance completion time, a percentage of correct answers decreased showing a statistically significant difference in the condition of odors compared with the condition where odors were not provided (p < 0.05). As for baseline fetal heart rate, in the comparison between sections, while performing secondary tasks, it increased showing a significant difference compared with stable state and driving state (p < 0.05). The effect of interaction was observed in oxygen concentration and the condition of odors. When odors were not provided, baseline fetal heart rate decreased in 40% oxygen concentration compared with 21% oxygen concentration (p < 0.05), however, when peppermint was provided, it increased in 40% oxygen concentration compared with 21% oxygen concentration (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the fact that the condition of odors increased the ability of calculation, and when only the highly concentrated oxygen was provided, parasympathetic nerve system was activated, however, when highly concentrated oxygen was provided with peppermint at the same time, sympathetic nervous system (sns) was activated, which had a negative effect on the autonomic nervous system was drawn.