THE EFFECT OF PROLONGED SITTING ON MENTAL TASK-PERFORMANCE

Due to changes in technology, people are frequently relegated to the r ole of system monitor. This has created a more sedentary workplace, wh ere the person commonly assumes a traditional seated position for prol onged periods of time. The seated position causes both biomechanical a nd physiologic stressors which can lead to discomfort over a prolonged period. It was hypothesized that the discomfort associated with prolo nged sitting will degrade performance of a system monitoring task. A p ilot study was conducted testing this hypothesis.