A sEMG-Based Method for Assessing the Design of Computer Mice

Details

• Personal Author:
  Agarabi M ; Bonato P ; De Luca CJ
• Description:
  Computer users who experience repetitive wrist movements and awkward hand positions are prone to developing upper extremity disorders. Manufacturers have designed various ergonomic mice in response to complaints of pain and discomfort related to computer mouse use. The objective of this work was to validate the use of surface electromyography (sEMG) in assessing the design of non-keyboard input devices (computer mice). While holding the computer mouse in different grasp positions sEMG of the forearm and hand were recorded during a set of static tasks. The sEMG signal provided information regarding the level of muscle activity and the varied combinations of muscular effort needed to position the hand in a specified posture. A significant decrease in the level of sEMG activity was observed for the pronator muscles when subjects were tested using ergonomic computer mice. The sEMG-based method was validated to be sensitive to the impact of subtle differences in shape/design on the amplitude of the surface EMG data. We also proved a significant effect of hand size and grasp position on the level of muscle activity associated with different mice. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Computers Ergonomics Musculoskeletal System Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: EMG Computer Equipment Electromyography Equipment Design Musculoskeletal Disorder Non-keyboard Input Devices Repetitive Work Surface Electromyography Task Performance Upper Extremities
• ISBN:
  9780780384392
• Publisher:
  Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Proceedings
• Place as Subject:
  California ; Massachusetts ; New York ; OSHA Region 1 ; OSHA Region 2 ; OSHA Region 9
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20057758
• Citation:
  EMBC 2004: Proceedings of the 26th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, September 1-5, 2004, San Francisco, California. New York: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 2004 Sep; :2450-2453
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2004
• NORA Priority Area:
  Research Tools and Approaches: Exposure Assessment Methods
• Performing Organization:
  Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20000801
• Source Full Name:
  EMBC 2004: Proceedings of the 26th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, September 1-5, 2004, San Francisco, California
• End Date:
  20030731
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:289f0d6da55545ef846d14085228e4480cc30278a1b8f77205e3432d21c4b9fe7829daa6738f415169d44b5a6587286e7676e1f72186943063be46de8ae883d5
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/214992/cdc_214992_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 233.57 KB ]