A breaks and exercise software tool such as Wellnomics® WorkPace® may be judged ‘effective’ if it provides statistically significant benefits to either the end user or their employer.

The potential benefits promised from breaks and exercise software are:

1. A reduced incidence of pain and discomfort complaints.
2. A reduction in Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSD) or RSI injury statistics.
3. An increase in productivity.

It is generally assumed that a reduction in pain complaints (1 above) will lead to a reduction in WMSD injuries (2 above). It is an assumption that has yet to be proven conclusively for any ergonomic intervention, but it is seen as a reasonable assumption to make. Most company health and safety ergonomics programs are currently based upon this assumption, i.e. that reducing pain and discomfort complaints will directly lead to a decrease in injuries. A strong body of evidence from the last 15-20 years shows that the introduction of breaks, micropauses, and exercises into the work routine of VDU users leads to a decrease in complaints, and, in some cases, an increase in productivity (see Wellnomics White Paper “Research paper on Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and breaks”). Until recently, studies have used simple methods of introducing breaks and exercises, such as timers or voluntary schedules. This document looks at some of the findings to date of using more sophisticated break software tools like Wellnomics WorkPace and discusses recommendations for maximizing the effectiveness of break software. It also looks at the receptiveness of users to break software.
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