Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Working Memory

Working Memory

Working memory refers to a combination of components, including short-term memory and attention, that allow an individual to hold information temporarily as we perform cognitive tasks. It is an essential cognitive function that enables the execution of complex tasks such as problem-solving, comprehension, and reasoning. Unlike short-term memory, which simply involves the storage of information for a brief period, working memory involves the active manipulation and processing of this...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Comparison of slow-paced breathing interventions with and without an inhalation-hold on physiological outcomes: A randomized cross-over pilot study.

International journal of psychophysiology : official journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology·2026

Same author

Sleep quality, sleep quantity, and sleep timing: contrasts in Austrian and U.S. college students.

Frontiers in sleep·2025

Same author

A computational modeling approach to brief slow-paced breathing and mental health moderators of decision-making under uncertainty in college students.

Acta psychologica·2025

Same author

Brief slow-paced breathing improves working memory, mood, and stress in college students.

Anxiety, stress, and coping·2025

Same author

The Impact of Time of Night on Affect and Affective State Type: A Simulated Nightshift Study.

Journal of sleep research·2025

Same author

Social context during moral decision-making impacts males more than females.

Frontiers in psychology·2024

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 17, 2026

Evaluating Tests of Cognition using a Computerized Touch-Sensitive Tablet, Eye Tracking, and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Evaluating Tests of Cognition using a Computerized Touch-Sensitive Tablet, Eye Tracking, and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Published on: January 30, 2026

Task Performance and Meta-Cognitive Outcomes When Using Activity Workstations and Traditional Desks.

June J Pilcher¹, Victoria C Baker¹

¹Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC USA.

Frontiers in Psychology

|July 23, 2016

Summary

Light physical activity at workstations improved mood and motivation without harming cognitive performance. Activity workstations can reduce sedentary behavior in workplaces and educational settings, promoting well-being.

Keywords:

: sedentary lifestyle affect cognitive performance morale physical activity

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients With a Digital Occupational Training System

Author Spotlight: Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients With a Digital Occupational Training System

Published on: December 29, 2023

Evaluating Usability Aspects of a Mixed Reality Solution for Immersive Analytics in Industry 4.0 Scenarios

Evaluating Usability Aspects of a Mixed Reality Solution for Immersive Analytics in Industry 4.0 Scenarios

Published on: October 6, 2020

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Mar 17, 2026

Evaluating Tests of Cognition using a Computerized Touch-Sensitive Tablet, Eye Tracking, and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Evaluating Tests of Cognition using a Computerized Touch-Sensitive Tablet, Eye Tracking, and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Published on: January 30, 2026

Author Spotlight: Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients With a Digital Occupational Training System

Author Spotlight: Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients With a Digital Occupational Training System

Published on: December 29, 2023

Evaluating Usability Aspects of a Mixed Reality Solution for Immersive Analytics in Industry 4.0 Scenarios

Evaluating Usability Aspects of a Mixed Reality Solution for Immersive Analytics in Industry 4.0 Scenarios

Published on: October 6, 2020

Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Human-Computer Interaction
Occupational Health

Background:

Sedentary behavior is prevalent in academic and professional settings.
The impact of light physical activity integrated into work environments on cognitive and affective outcomes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare the effects of light physical activity versus sedentary behavior on cognitive task performance and affective/motivational responses.
To evaluate the feasibility of activity workstations in reducing sedentary time without compromising task execution.

Main Methods:

Thirty-eight undergraduate students completed complex cognitive tasks at two workstations: a stationary bicycle with a desk and a traditional desk.
Measures included cognitive task performance, affect, motivation, morale, and engagement.
Participants pedaled at a slow, walking-pace exertion level during the activity workstation condition.

Main Results:

No significant differences were found in cognitive task performance between the activity workstation and the traditional desk.
Participants reported significantly improved positive affect, motivation, and morale when using the stationary bicycle workstation.
Engagement levels showed a positive trend with the activity workstation.

Conclusions:

Activity workstations can be implemented in workplaces and educational settings to decrease sedentary behavior.
Integrating light physical activity into work/study routines can enhance emotional and motivational states without negatively impacting cognitive performance.
Positive emotional responses associated with activity workstations may encourage sustained physical activity choices.