Providing Training Enhances the Biomechanical Improvements of an Alternative Computer Mouse Design

Details

• Personal Author:
  Dennerlein, Jack T. ; Houwink A ; Odell D ; Oude Hengel KM
• Description:
  Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine if an alternative mouse promotes more neutral postures and decreases forearm muscle activity and if training enhances these biomechanical benefits. Background: Computer mouse use is a risk factor for developing musculoskeletal disorders; alternative mouse designs can help lower these risks. Ergonomic training combined with alternative input devices could be even more effective than alternative designs alone. Methods: Thirty healthy adults (15 males, 15 females) performed a set of computer mouse tasks with a standard mouse and an alternative mouse while an electromagnetic motion analysis system measured their wrist and forearm postures and surface electromyography measured the muscle activity of three wrist extensor muscles. Fifteen participants received no training on how to hold the alternative mouse, whereas the remaining 15 participants received verbal instructions before and during use of the alternative mouse. Results: The alternative mouse was found to promote a more neutral forearm posture compared with the standard mouse (up to 11.5 degrees lower forearm pronation); however, pronation was further reduced when instructions on how to hold the mouse were provided. Wrist extensor muscle activity was reduced for the alternative mouse (up to 1.8% of maximum voluntary contraction lower) compared with the standard mouse, but only after participants received instructions. Conclusion: The alternative mouse design decreased biomechanical exposures; however, instructions enhanced this potential ergonomic benefit of the design. Application: User knowledge and training are important factors when effectively implementing an alternative ergonomic device. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Biomechanical Phenomena Computers Ergonomics Musculoskeletal Diseases Musculoskeletal System Occupational Health Safety Staff Development
• Keywords:
  Biomechanics Computer Equipment MSD Musculoskeletal Disorders Posture Training Upper Extremities
• ISSN:
  0018-7208
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Massachusetts ; OSHA Region 1 ; OSHA Region 10 ; Washington
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  46-55
• Volume:
  51
• Issue:
  1
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20060527
• Citation:
  Hum Factors 2009 Feb; 51(1):46-55
• Contact Point Address:
  Jack T. Dennerlein, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02215
• Email:
  jax@hsph.harvard.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2009
• NORA Priority Area:
  Healthcare and Social Assistance ; Services ; Wholesale and Retail Trade
• Performing Organization:
  Harvard University School of Public Health
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20070301
• Source Full Name:
  Human Factors
• End Date:
  20120228
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:41bf99a1dda294a0c27ac162a384c8b114b4b8fc52f55a6853aa679ca1a2019cafde3504937c7992b3874cff4f1c34ed39470567f5142fc915f1f2bbfcfb16fd
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/224396/cdc_224396_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 172.74 KB ]