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Muscle activity and cardiovascular response during computer-mouse work with and without memory demands
L Finsen1, K Søgaard, C Jensen
1Department of Research on Monotonous Repetitive Work, National Institute of Occupational Health, Copenhagen, Denmark. lf@ami.dk
Ergonomics
|March 20, 2002
Summary
Adding memory demand to computer tasks increases physiological stress and muscle activity. Varying mental tasks can mitigate these negative effects in computer-based work.
Area of Science:
- Ergonomics
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Computer-mouse work involves repetitive motions and cognitive load.
- Simulated Computer Aided Design (CAD) tasks can induce physiological responses.
- Understanding the impact of memory demand is crucial for workplace design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological and psychological responses to simulated CAD work.
- To compare responses under conditions with and without high short-term memory demand.
- To assess the effects of adaptation and reintroduction of memory load.
Main Methods:
- Nine female subjects performed a repetitive finger task with varying memory demands.
- Physiological measures included heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle activity (EMG).
- Psychological measures included self-reported stress and rating of perceived exertion (RPE).
Main Results:
- Introduction of memory demand significantly increased heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle co-contraction.
- Muscle activity and cardiovascular responses initially increased but tended to decrease over time.
- Self-reported stress and RPE for the shoulder increased throughout the memory-demand period.
Conclusions:
- High short-term memory demand in computer tasks elevates physiological stress and muscle strain.
- Adaptation to physical load reduces muscle activity and arousal.
- Job content with variable mental demands is recommended to mitigate negative effects.