Computer terminal work and the benefit of microbreaks

Area of Science:

• Ergonomics and Occupational Health
• Biomedical Engineering
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• Computerized workstations pose risks for cumulative trauma disorders.
• Sustained postural contractions in computer work can lead to muscle fatigue.
• Microbreaks are proposed interventions to mitigate these risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of different microbreak protocols on myoelectric signal (MES) behavior.
• To assess the impact of microbreaks on perceived discomfort.
• To evaluate the influence of microbreaks on worker productivity.

Main Methods:

• Participants performed keying tasks with varying microbreak schedules (no breaks, self-discretion, 20-min intervals, 40-min intervals).
• Myoelectric signals (MES) were measured from cervical extensors, lumbar erector spinae, upper trapezius/supraspinatus, and wrist/finger extensors.
• Perceived discomfort and worker productivity were also recorded.

Main Results:

• Microbreaks increased the frequency of mean frequency (MNF) cycling in wrist extensors, neck muscles (control/40-min groups), and back muscles (20/40-min groups).
• No significant changes in MNF cycling were observed in shoulder muscles.
• Microbreaks significantly reduced perceived discomfort, with the 20-min interval protocol showing the most benefit.
• Worker productivity was not negatively affected by microbreak implementation.

Conclusions:

• Microbreaks are beneficial for computer workers, positively influencing muscle activity and reducing discomfort.
• The 20-minute microbreak interval appears most effective for reducing discomfort.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind MNF cycling and its link to cumulative trauma disorders.