An exploratory study comparing three work/rest schedules during simulated repetitive precision work

Abstract

The pattern of work and rest can influence both physical fatigue and task performance in manual operations. However, there is relatively limited evidence regarding the influences of specific work/rest schedules in tasks requiring high repetitiveness and precision demands, along with relatively low exertion levels. Eighteen participants completed an exploratory study that simulated such tasks, to compare the effects of three distinct work/rest schedules (i.e., short frequent [short] and long infrequent breaks [long], and a self-selected schedule) on muscle fatigue, task performance (in terms of accuracy and speed), and preference. Schedules with long or self-selected breaks generally induced less muscle fatigue, compared with the short break condition. Participants preferred the self-selected condition the most and the long-break condition the least. The different schedules tested did not influence task performance. A selfselected schedule may be beneficial for repetitive precision task, to achieve a balance across muscle fatigue, task performance, and individual preference.

The development of cognitive workload management framework based on neuronal dynamics principle to maintain train driver’s health and railway safety

“…The maximum NAP of each region was set to maximum of 20 mV for excitatory regions and -65 mV for the inhibitory regions. The information about the excitatory and inhibitory regions was obtained from [21][22][23][24][25]. Therefore, the stimulus indicates a fully working brain which represents the point and call procedure.…”