Computer mouse use in two different hand positions: exposure, comfort, exertion and productivity

The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in exposure, comfort, exertion and productivity between a neutral and a pronated hand position when using a computer mouse. Nineteen experienced VDU workers performed a standardised text editing task with each mouse hand position. The wrist positions and movements in the working arm were registered by an electrogoniometer and the muscle activity in the shoulder, two extensors in the forearm and the first dorsal interossei (FDI) was registered by electromyography. The subjects rated perceived exertion and comfort in work with each mouse hand position. Work with the neutral hand position, compared to the pronated, gave a decreased muscle activity in the extensors of the forearm and in the FDI and a trend indicating a decrease in the frequency of deviation movements in the wrist. At the same time, the subjects showed a decreased productivity and they rated less comfort in work with the neutral hand position.