Effects of exercise breaks on performance, muscular load, and perceived discomfort in data entry and cognitive tasks

Supplementary breaks and stretching exercises for data entry operators: A follow‐up field study

“…The absence of significant productivity loss with supplementary breaks was most likely attributable to increased data-entry speed that occurred under that schedule. Taken together with similar results from eight previous studies, this recurring outcome provides convincing evidence that productivity concerns should not prevent managers from considering frequent rest breaks for workers in computer-intensive jobs [Floru and Cail, 1987;Sauter and Swanson, 1992;Henning et al, 1997;Galinsky et al, 2000;McLean et al, 2001;Balci and Aghazadeh, 2003;van den Heuvel et al, 2003;Balci and Aghazadeh, 2004].…”

The effect of rest break schedule on acute low back pain development in pain and non-pain developers during seated work

“…Previous research has shown that scheduled rest breaks can reduce self-report discomfort at the low back by as much as 35%; while maintaining, and in some cases, improving work productivity (Henning et al, 1997;Balci and Aghazadeh, 2004;McLean et al, 2001). At one of two worksites, Henning et al (1997) found that both productivity and overall body comfort improved with the introduction of rest breaks at 15-min intervals over the course of a six-week intervention.…”

“…These findings however, were not replicated at the second, larger worksite during the study. Elsewhere, Balci & Aghazadeh (2004) support scheduling breaks at 15-min intervals as the most effective schedule for reducing physical discomfort at the neck, low back and chest, while improving worker productivity, speed and accuracy during prolonged sitting. A 5-min rest break every 30 min, during seated work was most beneficial however, for reducing blurred vision, eyestrain and physical discomfort at a number of other body locations.…”

Reliability of a field based 2D:4D measurement technique in children

“…It is suggested that random error could be the result of observer fatigue during the identification and measurement of the landmarks during the analysis process using the computer software. A study examining the effects of various work-rest schedules showed that 15 min of work that interspersed with micro-breaks was superior to other work-rest schedules under investigation resulting in less muscular discomfort, reduced eyestrain, better speed, accuracy, and performance [27]. Input error has also been linked with the posture of the computer operator.…”