Effect of walking speed on typing performance using an active workstation

Percept Mot Skills. 2012 Aug;115(1):309-18. doi: 10.2466/06.23.26.PMS.115.4.309-318.

Abstract

This study tested the effect of treadmill walking speed on typing performance when these tasks were performed simultaneously. 24 research participants (M age = 23.2 yr.) performed a typing test under each of four conditions including the control (seated), treadmill walking at 1.3 km/hr., 2.25 km/hr., and 3.2 km/hr. Results indicated that treadmill walking had a detrimental effect on typing performance, but that the walking speed of 2.25 km/hr. would result in better typing performance than the slower and faster speeds. Seated typing was better than typing while walking at 1.3 km/hr. and typing while walking at 3.2 km/hr. Typing performance while walking at 2.25 km/hr. was not different than seated typing performance. The results support the potential of treadmill walking at 2.25 km/hr. to provide low-intensity physical activity without compromising typing performance.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Exercise Test / adverse effects
  • Exercise Test / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Skills / physiology*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Task Performance and Analysis*
  • User-Computer Interface
  • Walking / physiology*
  • Young Adult