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Journal article
The influence of rest break frequency and duration on physical performance and psychophysiological responses: a mining simulation study
European journal of applied physiology, Vol.122(9), pp.2087-2097
2022
PMID: 35727402
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the influence of shorter, more frequent rest breaks during simulated work (outdoor mining) in the heat on physical performance and psychophysiological responses.
Methods
On separate days, thirteen males undertook two 225 min simulation trials in the afternoon (12.00–3.45 pm) including 180 min of treadmill walking at a constant rate of perceived exertion of 11 (or ‘light’) on the 6–20 Borg scale in a heat chamber (37 °C, 40% RH), interspersed with 45 min of rest breaks in an air-conditioned room (22 °C, 35% RH). Rest breaks in the current practice (CP) trial occurred at 1.00 and 2.30 pm (30 min and 15 min, respectively), while in the experimental (EXP) trial were at 1.00 (15 min), 1.45, 2.25 and 3.05 pm (10 min each).
Results
Total distance covered was not different (p = 0.086) between CP (12,858 ± 2207 m) and EXP (12,094 ± 2174 m). Heart rate, thermal sensation and thermal comfort were significantly higher at 120–180 min (all p < 0.05) in CP compared to EXP. Moderate- to large-effect sizes (Hedge’s g) between trials were also found at 120–180 min for core temperature (g = 0.50 and 0.99, respectively). No differences were found between trials for cognitive performance, perceived fatigue, urine specific gravity, or total water intake (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Shorter, more frequent rest breaks have little impact on physical performance, thermal strain and exercise-related sensations. Current practices should remain in place until further studies can be conducted on an actual mine site during summer where outdoor workers perform their work duties.
Details
- Title
- The influence of rest break frequency and duration on physical performance and psychophysiological responses: a mining simulation study
- Authors/Creators
- Kanon Uchiyama - School of Human Sciences (Sport Science, Exercise and Health), The University of Western AustraliaJames King - School of Human Sciences (Sport Science, Exercise and Health), The University of Western AustraliaKaren Wallman - School of Human Sciences (Sport Science, Exercise and Health), The University of Western AustraliaSarah Taggart - School of Human Sciences (Sport Science, Exercise and Health), The University of Western AustraliaCory Dugan - School of Human Sciences (Sport Science, Exercise and Health), The University of Western AustraliaOlivier Girard - School of Human Sciences (Sport Science, Exercise and Health), The University of Western Australia
- Publication Details
- European journal of applied physiology, Vol.122(9), pp.2087-2097
- Publisher
- Springer Berlin Heidelberg
- Number of pages
- 11
- Grant note
- University of Western Australia Compass Group Australia
- Identifiers
- 991005896085007891
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2022
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Healthy Ageing; School of Allied Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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