Dynamic resource allocation strategies in the human brain under cognitive overload: evidence from time-varying brain network analysis.

Abstract

The impact of excessive cognitive workload on personal work and life is widely recognized, yet the brain information processing mechanisms under cognitive overload remain unclear. This study employed a spatial configuration task, combined with time-varying brain network analysis and source localization techniques based on electroencephalography signals, to delve into the dynamic adjustment processes of the brain among healthy participants during cognitive overload. The results revealed that under cognitive overload, the overall activation level of the brain significantly decreases, with characteristics of delayed responses. Further analysis indicated that under overload, the brain network connectivity in the right hemisphere brain networks closely associated with spatial object recognition and localization was weakened. In contrast, the brain network connections between the left hemisphere are enhanced. These changes suggest that during cognitive overload, the brain prioritizes resource allocation to support spatial memory functions, which might lead to restricted resources for subsequent spatial information processing. Notably, the significant differences in brain network connectivity observed in the hippocampus, fusiform gyrus, and superior frontal gyrus make them important potential markers for identifying cognitive overload states during spatial configuration tasks. This study provides a fresh perspective and scientific foundation for understanding the impact of cognitive overload on work performance.