User:Michellemfox/sandbox

An ICB is an acronym coined by Jim Marggraff, CEO and Founder of Eyefluence, Inc., to describe a 60 second break during a sedentary meeting to raise one’s heart rate through instant, vigorous, physical activity. Properly executed, an ICB is a short cardiovascular exercise period that increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain to improve creative productivity and cognitive performance.

Eyefluence adopted ICBs in 2013, implementing them during in-house meetings. The company and team members then began spreading the idea, propagating it with two-sided business cards as shown below, into partner meetings onsite and offsite, in board meetings, and at other sedentary gatherings. Eyefluence team members, and now others, can be seen taking ICBs during meetings, classes, conferences, and other events as well as in public locations, provoking curious responses, and further spreading the idea.

Location and Procedure
A practical venue for an ICB is in an office during a meeting, in a classroom, conference room, or other traditionally sedentary environment. Eyefluence initially adopted ICBs in meetings longer than an hour in length, at 30 minute intervals, with meeting participants breaking for 60 seconds worth of vigorous activity. Suggested activities include bodyweight exercises, such as push-ups, chair dips, stationary squats or sit-ups; and aerobic exercises, such as jumping jacks or knee lifts, which can be completed in a constrained space without special equipment. The activity is meant to raise one’s heart rate, but not induce significant perspiration. Teams use mechanical timers, 30-minute “hourglass” timers, or smartphone time applications to measure 30 minute durations between ICBs.

Participants generally find that 60 seconds of activity does not break the “flow” of a meeting, allowing renewed conversation to continue without disruption. The team also noted, that in the event of a conflict or confrontation prior to an ICB, the ICB tends to defuse the issue, and promotes a refreshed outlook and dialogue following the ICB.

An ICB is intended to increase the heart rate above the resting heart rate, typically 60-80 beats per minute (bpm) for adults, by completing the prescribed 60 seconds of cardio exercise.

Benefits
There is a body of research that suggests a positive link between aerobic exercise and cognitive function and performance. In addition, a study by McMorris et al concluded that faster memory processing results when levels of catecholamine chemicals increase in the brain due to exercise. The body’s physiological response to the cardio activity of an ICB can result in an increased the level of productivity and creative output in a meeting setting. An ICB can also be used to prevent prolonged sedentary time during the course of the workday, which has recently been linked to increased risk for disease, mortality and hospitalization in adults.