**4.2 Software and equipment**

**Table 1** shows the software available in the market, characterized by several commonplace functions, although their implementation can differ between systems:



**Table 1.** *Common functionalities of RSI software.* 4.Training (TN) – Provide information on topics including workstation setup, body positioning, work-efficiency tips, psycho-social information, etc.

For practical reasons and given that participants self-reported to work with either Windows 10 Pro operating system or MAC OS, they were offered the two most complete options available, Workrave or SmartBreak, so that the study can run in their natural working environment. Although both applications, Workrave and SmartBreak, deliver reminders and enforce to take breaks, there are some differences as explained next.

**Workrave** is probably one of the most complete applications of its class. It considers micro-pauses, rest breaks, and guidance for exercise routines. This software is based on timers and keyboard/mouse activity, which determine when the actions must be displayed on screen. The user interface offers to configure a good number of parameters and provides a monitor on micro-breaks, rest breaks and working hour limit. The remarkable feature is the Training support, using an animated virtual human to demonstrate the exercises in addition to a textual description (see **Figure 4**), which could have some positive effects on attaining coaching goals [23].

**SmartBreak** has a minimal user interface consisting of a "stress" level bar, and an overlay message is displayed in the center of screen when a break is suggested. The unique feature supported by SmartBreak is the one on BioFeedback, trying to raise awareness on user's stress state, which in this particular application is based on keyboard and mouse usage only.

According to the PSD model, two types of behavior changes are addressed by Workrave and SmartBreak, as shown in **Table 2**.

The study was conducted in the natural settings of the subjects for 1 week (5 working days). Hence, they used their own computer and had to install by themselves the software application of their choice. The 8 subjects with a Windows computer

#### **Figure 4.**

*Training coach demonstrating exercises to stretch body muscles in Workrave.*


#### **Table 2.**

*Outcome/changes analysis for Workrave and SmartBreak.*

installed Workrave, whereas 4 users who had a laptop with Mac OS installed SmartBreak. Only one participant had used an RSI software in the past (i.e. Workrave).
