[Information-activation relations and mental work capacity of operators].

This paper presents the results of studying diagnostic potentials of the method used to assess mental performance of operators based on a combined application of the information carrying capacity and psychophysiological expenditures of man. Three groups of operators (45 subjects) that differed in their health status and motivation when performing sensorimotor tests were examined. Psychophysiological cost was measured with respect to autonomic responses (heart rate, respiration frequency, minute respiration volume, arm temperature) combined into an integrated parameter of psychic stress. It was found that the extremes of the relationship between information and activation parameters were invariant. The data obtained suggest that the information-activation relationship may be used to advantage in the clinical and physiological expertise of operators.