Evaluation of Two Self-Managed Rest Break Systems for VDT Users

1995 ◽  
Vol 39 (12) ◽  
pp. 780-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Henning ◽  
Eric A. Callaghan ◽  
Jason I. Guttman ◽  
Heather A. Braun
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Feedback Condition ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Feedback Information ◽  
Rest Break ◽  
Continuous Feedback ◽  
Rest Breaks

Two self-managed rest break systems for video display terminal (VDT) users were evaluated using measures of heart rate and heart rate variability, breathing, and work-physiological synchronization in addition to conventional measures of performance, mood, user acceptance, and musculoskeletal discomfort. Undergraduate typists (N=30) entered lines of randomized words during a 55-min work period. Cognitive demand was increased by having typists reverse-type a specified word in each line. In the feedback condition, typists were continuously informed of the discrepancy between a target rest break standard of 30 s every 8 min and their discretionary rest breaks. This feedback information was absent in the control condition. Management of discretionary rest breaks was better in the feedback condition and VDT users reported less task disruption and lower back discomfort. Time-related trends in performance and physiological response reflected behavioral changes associated with fatigue, but did not differentiate between experimental conditions. The lack of adverse psychophysiological responses in the feedback condition supports the conclusion that continuous feedback about rest break behavior can help VDT users self-manage discretionary rest breaks, with no untoward effects on performance or well-being.

Self Management of Rest Breaks by VDT Users

1994 ◽  
Vol 38 (12) ◽  
pp. 754-758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Henning ◽  
Anna M. Ortega ◽  
Eric A. Callaghan ◽  
George V. Kissel
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Performance Feedback ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Video Display ◽  
Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽  
Correction Rate ◽  
Rest Break ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Rest Breaks

Video display terminal (VDT) users can benefit from frequent, short rest breaks in terms of improved productivity and well-being. However, VDT users report that scheduled breaks can seriously disrupt some tasks. This laboratory study tested if performance feedback would promote better self management of discretionary rest breaks. Undergraduate typists (N=31) entered lines of randomized words for 65 min. A mandatory rest break was administered whenever discretionary rest breaks did not total 30 s every 10 min. Typists in the experimental condition received feedback indicating how their discretionary breaks compared to a criterion. Typists in the control condition received no such feedback. Mood and musculoskeletal discomfort were assessed before and after the work period, followed by a questionnaire about the break system. Performance measures included keystroke rate, error rate, and correction rate (backspace use). Measures of heart rate and heart rate variability were also collected. Both the number of full-length mandatory breaks and correction rate were lower in the feedback condition. No significant differences in mood, musculoskeletal discomfort, physiological response, nor acceptance of the break system were found. These results suggest that self management of discretionary breaks as well as keystroke performance are improved by feedback, with no untoward effects on well-being.

A compensatory rest break system for VDT operators

1993 ◽  
Vol 37 (12) ◽  
pp. 905-909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Henning ◽  
George V. Kissel ◽  
Douglas C. Maynard
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Computer Work ◽  
Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽  
Work Period ◽  
Correction Rate ◽  
Rest Break ◽  
Lower Case ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Vdt Operators ◽  
Rest Breaks

Short rest breaks at 10 or 15-min intervals are being proposed as a means to moderate health problems and discomfort associated with continuous VDT use. This laboratory study evaluated an alternative to administering frequent breaks on a regimented schedule; short breaks were not administered unless the operator's spontaneous rest pauses were insufficient. Undergraduate volunteer typists (N=38) were assigned to one of two conditions: regimented (20-sec breaks every 5 min), or compensatory (20-sec breaks every 5 min only if the spontaneous pauses did not total 20 sec). Participants entered lines of randomized upper and lower-case characters that appeared on their VDT during a 48-min work period. Mood and musculoskeletal discomfort were assessed before and after the work period, followed by a questionnaire about the break system. Performance measures included keystroke output, error rate, and correction rate (backspace use). Large pre-to-post work period differences in both mood and musculoskeletal discomfort were found. Both the number and length of computer-administered breaks decreased in the compensatory condition. Back discomfort was lower in the compensatory condition, however, no differences in performance, mood, nor acceptance of the break system were found. These results indicate that rest breaks administered on a compensatory basis during repetitive computer work can eliminate unnecessary breaks and improve well-being without being any more disruptive to work than regimented breaks.

scholarly journals Chewing Gum: Cognitive Performance, Mood, Well-Being, and Associated Physiology

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew P. Allen ◽  
Andrew P. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Acute Effect ◽  
Chewing Gum ◽  
Performance Study ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Performance Tasks ◽  
And Performance

Recent evidence has indicated that chewing gum can enhance attention, as well as promoting well-being and work performance. Four studies (two experiments and two intervention studies) examined the robustness of and mechanisms for these effects. Study 1 investigated the acute effect of gum on mood in the absence of task performance. Study 2 examined the effect of rate and force of chewing on mood and attention performance. Study 3 assessed the effects of chewing gum during one working day on well-being and performance, as well as postwork mood and cognitive performance. In Study 4, performance and well-being were reported throughout the workday and at the end of the day, and heart rate and cortisol were measured. Under experimental conditions, gum was associated with higher alertness regardless of whether performance tasks were completed and altered sustained attention. Rate of chewing and subjective force of chewing did not alter mood but had some limited effects on attention. Chewing gum during the workday was associated with higher productivity and fewer cognitive problems, raised cortisol levels in the morning, and did not affect heart rate. The results emphasise that chewing gum can attenuate reductions in alertness, suggesting that chewing gum enhances worker performance.

Effects of Rest-Break Intention on Rest-Break Frequency and Work-Related Fatigue

2016 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerhard Blasche ◽  
Sanja Pasalic ◽  
Verena-Maria Bauböck ◽  
Daniela Haluza ◽  
Rudolf Schoberberger
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Multilevel Modeling ◽  
Linear Model ◽  
Generalized Linear Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Daily Number ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Rest Break ◽  
Rest Breaks ◽  
Geriatric Nurses

Objectives: The present paper presents findings from two studies addressing the effects of the employee’s intention to have rest breaks on rest-break frequency and the change of well-being during a workday. Background: Rest breaks are effective in avoiding an accumulation of fatigue during work. However, little is known about individual differences in rest-break behavior. Method: In Study 1, the association between rest-break intention and the daily number of rest breaks recorded over 4 consecutive workdays was determined by generalized linear model in a sample of employees ( n = 111, 59% females). In Study 2, professional geriatric nurses ( n = 95 females) who worked over two consecutive 12-hour day shifts recorded well-being (fatigue, distress, effort motivation) at the beginning and the end of their shifts. The effect of rest-break intention on the change of well-being was determined by multilevel modeling. Results: Rest-break intention was positively associated with the frequency of rest breaks (Study 1) and reduced the increase of fatigue and distress over the workday (Study 2). Conclusion: The results indicate that individual differences account for the number of breaks an employee takes and, as a consequence, for variations in the work-related fatigue and distress. Application: Strengthening rest-break intentions may help to increase rest-break behavior to avoid the buildup of fatigue and distress over a workday.

scholarly journals Individual Determinants of Rest-Break Behavior in Occupational Settings

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1330
Author(s):  
Gerhard Blasche ◽  
Johannes Wendsche ◽  
Theresa Tschulik ◽  
Rudolf Schoberberger ◽  
Lisbeth Weitensfelder
Keyword(s):  
Attitude Control ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Job Control ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rest Break ◽  
Individual Determinants ◽  
Rest Breaks ◽  
And Control

Aims: Work breaks improve well-being, productivity, and health. The aim of this study was to investigate the individual determinants of rest-break behavior during work using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Methods: The association between attitude, control, and subjective norm and rest-break intention (i.e., taking rest breaks regularly), and rest-break behavior (average number of rest breaks/workhour) was analyzed with stepwise linear regression in a cross-sectional design. The study participants included 109 clerical employees, and 215 nurses. Results: Attitude and control were positively associated with rest-break intention. Intention and control were positively associated with rest-break behavior. The effect of intention was moderated by occupation, with intention being more weakly associated with rest-break behavior in nurses who had less behavioral control. Conclusions: Job control is the major predictor of rest-break behavior, with attitudes playing a minor role, and social norm playing no role. To increase rest-break behavior, a greater extent of job control is necessary.

Recovery from Strain under Different Work/Rest Schedules

1995 ◽  
Vol 39 (12) ◽  
pp. 785-788 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfram Boucsein ◽  
Michael Thum
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Electrodermal Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Computer Work ◽  
European Patent ◽  
Mental Strain ◽  
Rest Break ◽  
Pulse Wave Transit Time ◽  
Psychophysiological Recovery ◽  
Emotional Strain

Measures of psychophysiological recovery were used to evaluate two rest break schedules; 7.5 minutes of rest after every 50 minutes of work versus 15 minutes of rest after every 100 minutes of work. Eleven examiners using a prototype computer system in the European Patent Office worked under both work/rest schedules. Electrodermal activity, heart rate, respiratory frequency, pulse wave transit time, neck electromyogram, and gross body movements were continuously recorded. Measures of emotional well-being and body comfort were obtained eight times per work day. Heart rate variability was significantly higher under the short break schedule, indicating decreased mental strain. Break duration and time of measurement interacted significantly for electrodermal responses, indicating that emotional strain was reduced under the short break schedule until mid-day, and under the long break schedule in the afternoon. The results indicate that a switch to longer breaks in the afternoon may be favorable during highly demanding computer work. Furthermore, it could be demonstrated that psychophysiological measures are useful for the evaluation of work/rest schedules, even if performance data are not available.

The Effects of a Caffeine Placebo and Experimenter Expectation on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Well-Being, and Cognitive Performance

2001 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harald Walach ◽  
Stefan Schmidt ◽  
Yvonne-Michelle Bihr ◽  
Susanne Wiesch
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Being There ◽  
To Receive

We studied the effect of experimenter expectations and different instructions in a balanced placebo design. 157 subjects were randomized into a 2 × 4 factorial design. Two experimenters were led to expect placebos either to produce physiological effects or not (pro- vs. antiplacebo). All subjects except a control group received a caffeine placebo. They were either made to expect coffee, no coffee, or were in a double-blind condition. Dependent measures were blood pressure, heart rate, well-being, and a cognitive task. There was one main effect on the instruction factor (p = 0.03) with the group “told no caffeine” reporting significantly better well-being. There was one main effect on the experimenter factor with subjects instructed by experimenter “proplacebo” having higher systolic blood pressure (p = 0.008). There was one interaction with subjects instructed by experimenter “proplacebo” to receive coffee doing worse in the cognitive task than the rest. Subjects instructed by experimenter “antiplacebo” were significantly less likely to believe the experimental instruction, and that mostly if they had been instructed to receive coffee. Contrary to the literature we could not show an effect of instruction, but there was an effect of experimenters. It is likely, however, that these experimenter effects were not due to experimental manipulations, but to the difference in personalities.

Heart Rate Variability, Homeostasis, and Brain Function

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 178-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Riganello ◽  
Sergio Garbarino ◽  
Walter G. Sannita
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Vegetative State ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Affective States ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Cardiovascular Research ◽  
Sensory Stimuli ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Brain Injured

Measures of heart rate variability (HRV) are major indices of the sympathovagal balance in cardiovascular research. These measures are thought to reflect complex patterns of brain activation as well and HRV is now emerging as a descriptor thought to provide information on the nervous system organization of homeostatic responses in accordance with the situational requirements. Current models of integration equate HRV to the affective states as parallel outputs of the central autonomic network, with HRV reflecting its organization of affective, physiological, “cognitive,” and behavioral elements into a homeostatic response. Clinical application is in the study of patients with psychiatric disorders, traumatic brain injury, impaired emotion-specific processing, personality, and communication disorders. HRV responses to highly emotional sensory inputs have been identified in subjects in vegetative state and in healthy or brain injured subjects processing complex sensory stimuli. In this respect, HRV measurements can provide additional information on the brain functional setup in the severely brain damaged and would provide researchers with a suitable approach in the absence of conscious behavior or whenever complex experimental conditions and data collection are impracticable, as it is the case, for example, in intensive care units.

Identifying Patterns in Complex Field Data

2017 ◽  
Vol 225 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. White ◽  
Dieter Kleinböhl ◽  
Thomas Lang ◽  
Alfons O. Hamm ◽  
Alexander L. Gerlach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Panic Disorder ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Situational Factors ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Complex Field ◽  
Cluster Assignment ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Conventional Analysis

Abstract. Ambulatory assessment methods are well suited to examine how patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia (PD/A) undertake situational exposure. But under complex field conditions of a complex treatment protocol, the variability of data can be so high that conventional analytic approaches based on group averages inadequately describe individual variability. To understand how fear responses change throughout exposure, we aimed to demonstrate the incremental value of sorting HR responses (an index of fear) prior to applying averaging procedures. As part of their panic treatment, 85 patients with PD/A completed a total of 233 bus exposure exercises. Heart rate (HR), global positioning system (GPS) location, and self-report data were collected. Patients were randomized to one of two active treatment conditions (standard exposure or fear-augmented exposure) and completed multiple exposures in four consecutive exposure sessions. We used latent class cluster analysis (CA) to cluster heart rate (HR) responses collected at the start of bus exposure exercises (5 min long, centered on bus boarding). Intra-individual patterns of assignment across exposure repetitions were examined to explore the relative influence of individual and situational factors on HR responses. The association between response types and panic disorder symptoms was determined by examining how clusters were related to self-reported anxiety, concordance between HR and self-report measures, and bodily symptom tolerance. These analyses were contrasted with a conventional analysis based on averages across experimental conditions. HR responses were sorted according to form and level criteria and yielded nine clusters, seven of which were interpretable. Cluster assignment was not stable across sessions or treatment condition. Clusters characterized by a low absolute HR level that slowly decayed corresponded with low self-reported anxiety and greater self-rated tolerance of bodily symptoms. Inconsistent individual factors influenced HR responses less than situational factors. Applying clustering can help to extend the conventional analysis of highly variable data collected in the field. We discuss the merits of this approach and reasons for the non-stereotypical pattern of cluster assignment across exposures.

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