Work Curve
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The work curve, showing fluctuations in performance during mental work, was established by Kraepelin. It is constructed by counting the number of homogeneous tasks completed in 5-minute intervals over a two-hour period. The curve is influenced by opposing factors: fatigue, which gradually decreases performance, and exercise, which increases it.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
WORK CURVE, showing the fluctuation of performance during mental work, was established by Kraepelin (E. Krapeelin). The measure of performance is a series of homogeneous tasks (mainly addition of single-digit numbers) completed in each 5-minute period. The accounting of work conducted in this manner over two hours makes it possible to construct the W. c. The main factors influencing the W. c. in opposite directions are fatigue (Ermiidung), which gradually decreases work performance, and exercise (Uebung), under the influence of which performance increases. In addition to these two factors, according to Kraepelin, the following components also influence work performance: "habituation" (Gewohnung), necessary for adaptation to this type of work; "excitation" (Anregung), which increases performance at the beginning of work; and "volitional tension" (Willenspannung), the effect of which is manifested mainly at the very beginning and before the end of work.
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“Work Curve.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/work-curve/