Effects of Cued Micro-Breaks on Self-Reported Severity and Recovery of Upper Limb Disorders in Computer Operators
conference paper
Software programs cueing computer workers to apply regular breaks and physical exercises may help in reducing work-related upper limb disorders. The effects of such a program was investigated among 268 computer workers with upper limb disorders, who were randomised into a control group, a group cued to take extra breaks and a group cued to perform exercises during the extra breaks. A comparison between pre- and post-intervention scores on the severity of the complaints showed no significant differences among the three groups. However, data on the self-reported recovery, obtained after the intervention, showed that, as compared to the controls, more subjects in the experimental groups reported recovery (55% vs. 34%) and less reported deterioration (4% vs. 20%). Hence, people who are cued to take extra breaks, perceive more recovery, although the effect on the severity level of the complaint was not detected. No effect was found of the physical exercises.
TNO Identifier
522167
Source title
Proceedings of the Human factors and ergonomics society 46th annual meeting, Baltimore September 30 - October 4, 2002
Pages
1120-1123
Files
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