Zeitschrift für Ergonomie
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Effects of Individual Factors in the Perception of Mental Workload and Body Postures: An Exploratory Study

Valentina Nino1* , Scott M. Monfort2 , David Claudio

Studies have revealed that physical and mental demands, psychosocial factors, and individual factors can contribute to the development of WMSDs. Yet, much is still unknown regarding the effects of individual characteristics on WMSDs susceptibility. Previous studies discovered people assumed more awkward body postures to perform an activity when the perception of mental workload is higher. This research study explored if individual characteristics such as age, sex, personality, and anxiety help explain changes or differences in the perception of mental workload and body postures assume when performing activities. The study provided evidence that these individual characteristics have a modifying role on perceived mental workload and body postures. The results suggest that perceived mental workload is influenced to a higher extent by individual characteristics such as anxiety, sex, and personality traits. On the other hand, body postures seem to be influenced by different individual factors depending on the nature of the activity.