The Effects of Rest-break Activities on Cognitive Recovery from Mental Fatigue: Walking vs. Sitting and Short-form Videos vs. Gentle Music

Abstract

Mental fatigue negatively impacts cognitive performance and reduces workplace efficiency, highlighting the importance of effective rest-break strategies. This study examines how rest-break conditions—combinations of physical (active: walking vs. passive: sitting) and cognitive activities (high-arousal: short-form videos vs. low-arousal: gentle music)—affect cognitive performance recovery. A within-subject pilot experiment with 4 participants is designed. Participants undergo a 20-minute Stroop task to induce cognitive fatigue, followed by a 10-minute rest under one of four conditions: walking while watching short-form videos, walking while listening to gentle music, sitting while watching short-form videos, or sitting while listening to gentle music. Cognitive performance recovery is evaluated via changes in Stroop test reaction time, error rate, and Stroop effect magnitude. This study aims to identify the most effective rest-break combination, providing evidence-based recommendations for realistic workplace applications to enhance cognitive recovery, manage mental fatigue, and promote employee well-being.