Wrist Posture during Computer Mouse Usage

Abstract

In this experiment, we investigated the effects that mouse pad surface height and wrist support had on wrist posture. In a pointing task, 16 subjects moved a mouse-controlled cursor clockwise or counterclockwise around three fixed targets, which varied by size and distance depending on task condition. Wrist extension, flexion, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation data were collected via a wrist monitor attached to the right hand and forearm.

The presence of a wrist support decreased wrist extension and radial deviation, and increased wrist flexion. Higher pad surface height resulted in increased flexion and ulnar deviation, and decreased extension and radial deviation. A comparison of the conditions which were at the same pad height, but differed due to the presence or absence of wrist support, revealed that wrist extension was reduced by the presence of a wrist support at all but the highest height.