Effects of a thermal-insulating mouse pad on temperature of forearm and hand during computer tasks

This laboratory experiment studied the effects of a thermal-insulating mouse pad on arm temperature and comfort during computer work. Fourteen subjects performed two 20-min computer tasks (a mouse task and a combined task alternating keyboard and mouse use), under three conditions, namely with: 1) a thermal-insulating pad; 2) a placebo pad; 3) no pad (desktop). The temperatures of the forearm, wrist, hand and fingers were measured with four thermocouples. Comfort and discomfort were determined by two visual analogue scales. No arm temperature differences were found between the experimental conditions after performing the combination task in any location. After the mouse task, however, arm temperature decreased significantly less with the thermal-insulating mouse pad than with the placebo pad. The thermal-insulating pad was rated as more comfortable and less uncomfortable than a regular desktop during mouse tasks. A large size is recommended for the thermal-insulating pad.