Evaluation of an Emotion-Aware Persuasive Framework Based on Peripheral Interaction for Reducing Physical Strain in Office Environments

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) are a leading cause of workplace disability and absenteeism, particularly among office workers engaged in prolonged computer-based tasks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of EMotivA, a persuasive system designed to promote active breaks and mitigate the risk of RSIs. A quantitative pretest-postest design was conducted with 20 office workers over one workweek, during which EMotivA dispatched persuasive notifications every 40 min to encourage brief, light physical activities. The system aimed to increase the frequency and regularity of active breaks and reduce musculoskeletal discomfort, measured using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Results showed a significant increase in active breaks and a marked improvement in time dedicated to physical activities. CMDQ scores revealed a significant reduction in musculoskeletal discomfort post-intervention (t(19)=3.152, p=0.005, d=0.705). These findings demonstrate that EMotivA effectively fosters healthier work habits and reduces physical discomfort, emphasizing its potential as a tool for occupational health management.