The effect of educational video watching speed on cognitive performance A comparative study

Cognitive performance under time constraints is influenced by multiple factors, including physiological parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and red blood cell (RBC) count, which affect oxygen delivery to the brain. However, the extent to which these variables predict performance when task speed is changed remains unclear. This study investigated whether Hb, RBC, age, and sex influence performance when task speed is changed from a normal pace (1X) to a faster pace (2X). An experimental non-randomized controlled trial was conducted among healthy adult participants divided into two study groups: Group A (1X speed) and Group B (2X speed). Hb and RBC levels were measured using standard laboratory procedures and task performance scores were recorded for both groups. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, Pearson’s correlation and chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Higher task speed (2X in Group B) significantly reduced performance scores (p < 0.001). No statistically significant correlations were observed between Hb or RBC levels and performance in either group (p > 0.05). Task speed is a dominant determinant of performance, with faster speeds causing marked decline irrespective of Hb, RBC, age or sex. These findings suggest that within healthy, non-anemic populations, baseline Hb and RBC have limited predictive value for short-term cognitive performance under speeded conditions.