Neck & Upper Back Pain
Memory, Forgetfulness, & Skill Development
Use of Applications
Since technology is proving its usefulness to complete assignments, do research and provide leisure opportunities, it only makes sense that technology be used to help with productivity and health and wellness. Technology can be used in everyday lives, which means incorporating breaks using applications would be deemed useful and allow for a seamless integration into daily routines.
Provided is information on three apps (for Apple products, ie iPhone or Mac) that can be used to help prompt breaks or lead stretches for people that are working at their computer constantly. There is a free app, an affordable app for $0.99, and a costlier app for $3.99. The app for $3.99 also has a promotional YouTube Video. However, the quality of the more expensive app comes into question when watching the video and when evaluating the app. Overall, the free or affordable app for $0.99 would be the best options, depending on what the client is looking for or hoping to gain from the apps.
Stand Up - Free
This app advertises that it is customizable to ones’ work schedule and that one can set reminders to get up on intervals with easy confirmations so one can get a sense of how they are doing. For people that tend to do long periods of work at a computer or desk, this app would be beneficial as they could set it for a specific time that works in their schedule and then it provides the reminder for them to look up from the screen or take a stretch break.
Purchased from the App Store
Website
Ergonomics - $0.99
This application has two goals which are: to improve workplace health and productivity by encouraging stretch breaks, and to ensure that all workplace equipment is set up ergonomically for the times that are sitting. The stretch feature allows for choice between individual or group stretches that target a specific area of the body. A countdown timer is also included to help properly time the stretches. Also, reminders are included in, which can be customized into one’s daily routines. The ergonomics part of the app allows for individuals to learn how to setup a desk, chair, monitor, mouse, and keyboard for enhanced productivity. Quick tips provide a summary of the setup, but the webpage for the app explains that more detailed information is supported by the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
Purchased from the App Store
Ergonomics - $0.99
Stretch - $3.99
The description of this app states that it is attractive and easy to use. It provides a break reminder and then shows random stretches out of the 40 provided on the app. There is a high quality video and description that has easy to follow directions. A guideline to set up workplace ergonomics is also included. This app also shows statistics of using a Mac including mouse clicks, keyboard types, and the length of computer usage.
This application is not appropriate for use for clients due to its sexualized nature of the girl leading the stretches. However, the idea of the application as a break reminder and workplace ergonomic setup guideline for computers is useful as the other applications have been for the iPhone. The data collection portion of the application would also be useful as it tracks computer usage of mouse clicks, keyboard types, and computer usage periods. This can help one to track their usage of a computer and have a visual of when they need to take breaks.\
Purchased from the App Store
"Taking a break is essential to higher productivity, energy, concentration, efficiency, creativity, and just about every other good thing that you need to survive."
How often should you take a break?
Every 50-90 minutes.
How long should your break be?
15 to 20 minutes is the ideal length, but you can take longer at lunch.
What should you do during your break?
Anything but work
Stay away from your screen
Move your body
Shift your attention
Stop concentrating
Article
For more information on applications related to aiding in taking breaks, please see the following article.
This article is pertinent to the topic because it looks at an application that was designed to help remind people to take breaks. This is a paper that was presented at the International Conference on Information Technology and Multimedia (ICIMU) in November 2014. This article is focusing on the Take-A-Break Notification software that runs on windows operating system. This app was designed for office workers who have the highest tendency on prolonged computer screens. Take-A-Break Notification was designed to reduce Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). The application itself will dim the computer, disabling the mouse and keyboard functions, which will force the employees to take a 5-minute break after 2 hours of working in front of the computer screen. Thus, encouraging office workers to apply ergonomic practices. This paper included a literature review on the following areas: general problems related to sitting in front of a computer, maximum hours to sit in front of computer screen, computer vision syndrome (CVS), and existing software. Henceforth, the researchers provide proof of this being an important area to look at in a clinical setting due to the effects from computer vision syndrome (CVS) and repetitive strain injury (RSI).