Arduino-based system to identify sedentary behavior working in home office

Abstract: COVID-19 created the need for students to take classes from home. This situation led to a decrease in students’ dynamic activities and therefore by staying in the same posture for long periods of time, students can develop physical fatigue. According to ergonomic studies, short breaks during activities can benefit people’s health. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of implementing a break during a test within two student groups. For this study, a control group worked on a ninety-minute test without breaks. A second group included a five-minute break in between the test. To track the time a student remained sat, an Arduino-based device was used in the test group to notify the student when a break was needed. The study sample consisted of forty-two students working from home on an exam in May 2021 from which half the group was the control sample. During the break, students were allowed to perform physical exercises and stretching. After the test, students answered a qualitative questionnaire about their physical and emotional condition after the test. The results showed better physical and mental for students with a break during exams. Based on this information, the tracking device, and a defined set of breaks during several hours at a desk showed a benefit in people’s well-being. Further studies can continue to investigate appropriate resting times to improve working performance and health.

Keywords: Arduino, Home Office, Covid-19, Educational Innovation, Higher Education

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe100885

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