Effects of a sit–stand schedule on a light repetitive task

Abstract

The relation between work load, work performance and work posture in a light repetitive task was investigated. Subjects were asked to do multiplication of one-digit numbers and to enter the answers on a key board. The task duration was 60 and 90 min, either with a combination of sitting and standing postures or with no change of posture at all. In the ‘no change of posture’ condition, workload was higher and work performance was lower than that with combinations of postures. Compared to the time of changing postures, introduction of change at an early stage was more effective to reduce the workload and to enhance the work performance. The longer the task time, the lower the effects of changed postures. Change of posture was useful to reduce the monotonous feelings of fatigue on a short-term light repetitive task. On a short-term light repetitive task, change of posture is recommended to be introduced at an early stage. On a long-term task such as over 90 min working time, a more effective improvement is suggested.