An Ergonomic Computer Mouse for Professional Designers

2013 ◽  
Vol 440 ◽  
pp. 194-198
Author(s):  
Ali Faraji ◽  
Morteza Rohani Farahmand
Keyword(s):  
Interaction Design ◽  
Neutral Position ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
Ulnar Deviation ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Library Research ◽  
Computer Mouse ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Final Design ◽  
Research Studies

Some criteria for designing an ergonomic mouse for professional computer users via scenario-based design are presented in order to decrease Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) especially in upper limbs. Library research studies performed based on 5W-H approach extremely tend to medical, ergonomics and functional affairs. Since this study was user-centered design (interaction design), practical research studies performed for better comprehension of users needs by making use of questionnaire, interview and observation procedures in three field of design: ergonomics, functional and aesthetics. First, target group divided into three categories by using AHP method: A-users who work professionally with design, graphic and animation softwares; B-users who work professionally or unprofessionally with other softwares; and C-users who work professionally with engineering softwares. Then, 56 questionnaires are presented to this group and also they interviewed and 15 ones observed during interaction with computer mouse. Finally, 23 design criteria achieved and final idea designed based on these criteria. The most important notes that considered in final design are neutral position of wrist, ulnar deviation prevention and preventing from static and powerful grips.

The Effect of Split and Vertically-Inclined Computer Keyboards on Wrist and Forearm Posture

1997 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 642-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard W. Marklin ◽  
Guy G. Simoneau ◽  
John F. Monroe
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Neutral Position ◽  
Ulnar Deviation ◽  
Occupational Risk Factor ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Computer Keyboard ◽  
The Right ◽  
Neutral Posture

The significant findings from this study of 90 clerical subjects, whose forearm and wrist posture were measured while they typed on three alternative QWERTY computer keyboard designs, are the following: 1) when setup correctly, commercially-available split QWERTY keyboards reduced mean ulnar deviation of the right and left wrists from approximately 12 deg. to within 5 deg. of a neutral position compared to a conventional QWERTY keyboard. 2) with at least a 30 deg. tilt of the keyboard halves, a commercially-available vertically-inclined QWERTY keyboard reduced mean pronation of the forearm by approximately 20 deg. compared to a conventional QWERTY computer keyboard (60 to 40 deg.) The finding that split keyboards place the wrist closer to a neutral posture in the radial/ulnar plane substantially reduces one occupational risk factor of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), namely ulnar deviation of the wrist. The finding that vertically-inclined keyboards reduce forearm pronation substantially is advantageous, at least theoretically, to the keyboard user. However, since the origins of WMSDs, which include carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and tenosynovitis, tend to be multifactorial, the extent to which split keyboards or vertically-inclined keyboards could reduce the frequency or severity of WMSDs is unknown.

scholarly journals Musculoskeletal Disorders Symptoms among Taiwanese Bakery Workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2960
Author(s):  
Yi-Lang Chen ◽  
Yan-Ting Zhong ◽  
Bang-Nan Liou ◽  
Chih-Chuan Yang
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
The Body ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽  
Ulnar Deviation ◽  
Left Wrist ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Shoulder Disorders ◽  
The Right

In this study, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was administered to a valid sample of 81 Taiwanese bakery workers to explore their discomfort or symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and identify the risk factors. Wrist postures were also examined during 3 typical dough operations (kneading, rolling, and rounding) by using an electrogoniometer. The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in any part of the body in the past year among the respondents was 93.0%, with the highest prevalence of 66.3% and 51.8% in the hands/wrists (right and left), followed by the prevalence of 50.6% and 45.8% in the shoulders (right and left) and the lower back (48.2%), respectively. The results also revealed that during the 3 dough processing operations, the workers’ wrist movements in specific operations were close to the recommended limits suggested in previous studies, especially the ulnar deviation and palm flexion of the right wrist during dough kneading and the radial deviation of the left wrist during dough rolling and rounding. The study findings can be used to explain why the bakers self-report a high proportion of wrist and shoulder disorders and can also serve as a reference for task rearrangement and redesign.

scholarly journals Effect of Setup Configurations of Split Computer Keyboards on Wrist Angle

2001 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 1038-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard W Marklin ◽  
Guy G Simoneau
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Separation Distance ◽  
Opening Angle ◽  
Upper Limbs ◽  
Ulnar Deviation ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Computer Keyboard ◽  
Set Up

Abstract Background and Purpose. Alternative computer keyboards whose halves can be slanted toward each other can reduce a risk factor (ulnar deviation) for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) affecting the upper limbs. Two questions that computer keyboard operators face when using keyboards that can be separated into halves (split keyboards) are: (1) At what angle should the keyboard halves be opened? and (2) At what distance apart should the keyboard halves be placed? The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the opening angle and separation distance between halves of a split keyboard on wrist ulnar deviation and typing efficiency. Methods. Eleven experienced computer keyboard operators participated in this study and used a split keyboard that was set up in a conventional (nonsplit) format and also in 3 alternative configurations: (1) centers of keyboard halves were separated at 20-cm distance, (2) keyboard halves were separated half of the distance of shoulder width, and (3) keyboard halves were separated at shoulder width distance. Results. The 3 alternative configurations resulted in ulnar deviation of both wrists that were less than ulnar deviation from typing on a conventional setup. There were no differences in ulnar deviations among the 3 alternative configurations. Discussion and Conclusion. The results of this research provide physical therapists and ergonomists with a set of configurations of a split keyboard that they can recommend to their patients or clients. All of the alternative configurations of the split keyboard are beneficial in promoting a neutral wrist position, which theoretically would decrease exposure to WMSDs such as tenosynovitis in the wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome.

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