Effects of Virtual Co-working Environment Using a Work-Support Application on Subjective Workload, Mood, and Fatigue: A Randomized Crossover Trial
- 1Mie University Hospital
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.
ObjectiveTo 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.
ResultsAll 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.
ConclusionsThe 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.
Trial registrationJapan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT): jRCT1040260086 https://jrct.mhlw.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCT1040260086
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BibTeX
@misc{momosaki2026effects,
title = {{Effects of Virtual Co-working Environment Using a Work-Support Application on Subjective Workload, Mood, and Fatigue: A Randomized Crossover Trial}},
author = {R. Momosaki and Y. Hasegawa and K. Ushida and M. Shimizu},
howpublished = {medRxiv},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.64898/2026.09.19.26362890},
url = {https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.19.26362890v1},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - UNPB
TI - Effects of Virtual Co-working Environment Using a Work-Support Application on Subjective Workload, Mood, and Fatigue: A Randomized Crossover Trial
AU - R. Momosaki
AU - Y. Hasegawa
AU - K. Ushida
AU - M. Shimizu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/19
PB - medRxiv
DO - 10.64898/2026.09.19.26362890
UR - https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.19.26362890v1
AB - 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. ObjectiveTo 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. ResultsAll 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. ConclusionsThe 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. Trial registrationJapan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT): jRCT1040260086 https://jrct.mhlw.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCT1040260086
ER -