Related Experiment Videos
Left-handed versus right-handed computer mouse use: effect on upper-extremity posture
Alain Delisle1, Daniel Imbeau, Brenda Santos
1Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute Robert-Sauvé (IRSST), Safety Ergonomics Program, 505, boul de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 3C2. delisle.alain@irsst.qc.ca
Applied Ergonomics
|February 27, 2004
Summary
Switching the computer mouse to the left hand can reduce upper-extremity strain during computer work. While requiring an adjustment period, this ergonomic change improves posture and reduces discomfort for many users.
Area of Science:
- Ergonomics
- Occupational Health
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Musculoskeletal complaints are prevalent among computer users due to prolonged postural constraints.
- Standard keyboard layouts with a right-sided numeric keypad can force awkward mouse positioning.
- Exploring alternative mouse placements is crucial for mitigating computer-related discomfort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of using a mouse on the left side of a standard keyboard on upper-extremity posture.
- To assess changes in task performance, perceived difficulty, and discomfort after adopting left-handed mouse use.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-seven subjects performed a simulated computer task in a laboratory setting.
- Posture (shoulder flexion/abduction, wrist extension) was measured before and after a 1-month adaptation period to left-handed mouse use.
- Task completion time, perceived difficulty, and discomfort were recorded.
Main Results:
- Left-handed mouse use significantly reduced shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, and wrist extension.
- Sixteen out of 27 subjects successfully transitioned to left-handed mouse use.
- After 1 month, task completion time decreased, and perceived difficulty and discomfort improved, although task time remained longer than with right-handed use.
Conclusions:
- Using the mouse on the left side is a viable ergonomic strategy to reduce postural constraints and improve comfort for computer users.
- For tasks requiring both keyboard and mouse without a numeric keypad, consider keyboards without a numeric keypad for right-hand mouse use.
- If standard keyboards are necessary, left-handed mouse use is a beneficial alternative, provided adequate time for user adaptation.