Abstract
Workload when using a mouse as an input device was examined in a laboratory study. Two positions of the forearm were compared. One mouse gave an almost neutral position whereas the traditional mouse required a pronated one. The muscle load was recorded by electromyography (EMG) from the extensor digitorum communis, extensor carpi ulnaris, and trapezius muscles. The muscle load of the forearm was significantly less when using a mouse operated with an almost neutral position of the forearm compared with a pronated one.
In a prospective field study, a significant reduction was reported regarding pain intensity and frequency for wrist/hand, forearm, shoulder and neck after an intervention with the new mouse (p<0.009). All the participants reported pain at commencement. The control group using the traditional mouse reported only small changes in the pain level (p>0.24).
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