{
  "abstract": "BackgroundDigitalization and remote work have increased interest in work environments that reduce workload, negative mood, and fatigue. Low-interaction co-presence in virtual spaces may offer a new digital work environment, but its effects on subjective workload remain unclear.\n\nObjectiveTo examine the effects of the 3D-avatar work-support application gogh on subjective workload, mood, and fatigue. Methods: We conducted an open-label randomized two-period crossover trial in 40 gogh desktop users performing desk- or computer-based tasks. Participants completed 30-min task periods with and without gogh, separated by a 30-min break, in randomized order. The NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) was the primary outcome, with the mood and fatigue domains of the Inventory Scale for Mood and Sense of Fatigue as secondary outcomes. Linear mixed-effects models used condition and period as fixed effects and participant as a random intercept.\n\nResultsAll 40 participants completed both conditions. NASA-TLX scores were 42.3 {+/-} 12.9 with gogh and 51.7 {+/-} 15.1 without gogh; the adjusted mean difference was -9.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) -13.4 to -5.5). Adjusted mean differences were -11.4 for mood (95% CI -16.6 to -6.2) and -15.0 for fatigue (95% CI -20.3 to -9.7). Exploratory analyses showed lower Frustration, Effort, and Physical Demand with gogh.\n\nConclusionsThe gogh condition was associated with a decrease in post-task perceived workload, negative mood, and fatigue. This combined virtual co-working environment may reduce task-related psychological burden, although objective performance, productivity, and long-term occupational health effects require further study.\n\nTrial registrationJapan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT): jRCT1040260086 https://jrct.mhlw.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCT1040260086",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Mie University Hospital"
  ],
  "article_type": "PUBLISHAHEADOFPRINT",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 4,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "R. Momosaki"
    },
    {
      "name": "Y. Hasegawa"
    },
    {
      "name": "K. Ushida"
    },
    {
      "name": "M. Shimizu"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/dffgc317k7qvw.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.64898/2026.09.19.26362890",
  "fulltext_url": "https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.19.26362890v1.full",
  "id": "dffgc317k7qvw",
  "issns": [],
  "landing_url": "https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.19.26362890v1",
  "language": null,
  "licence": "CC-BY",
  "licence_label": "CC BY",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "medrxiv",
      "occupational and environmental health"
    ],
    [
      "openalex",
      "1709|Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": "W7213931198",
  "pdf_url": "https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.19.26362890v1.full.pdf",
  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": null,
  "published": "2026-09-19",
  "publisher": null,
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/dffgc317k7qvw.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-10-30T12:19:04Z",
      "native_id": "10.64898/2026.09.19.26362890",
      "source": "medrxiv",
      "url": "https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.19.26362890v1"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "medicine",
      "origin": "medrxiv:occupational and environmental health",
      "subfield": "epidemiology-public-health"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Effects of Virtual Co-working Environment Using a Work-Support Application on Subjective Workload, Mood, and Fatigue: A Randomized Crossover Trial",
  "title_text": "Effects of Virtual Co-working Environment Using a Work-Support Application on Subjective Workload, Mood, and Fatigue: A Randomized Crossover Trial",
  "type": "preprint",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:19:04Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/dffgc317k7qvw",
  "venue": "medRxiv",
  "versions": []
}