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Alternative computer mouse design and testing to reduce finger extensor muscle activity during mouse use.

David L Lee1, Jacob Fleisher, Hugh E McLoone

  • 1Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.

Human Factors
|August 19, 2007
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Summary

New computer mouse designs with altered button switch direction can reduce finger extensor muscle loading. However, these ergonomic designs may increase flexor muscle activity and slow performance.

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Area of Science:

  • Ergonomics and Human-Computer Interaction
  • Musculoskeletal Disorder Research
  • Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

  • Intensive computer mouse use, particularly with two-button designs, can lead to sustained finger extensor muscle activity.
  • This sustained activity may contribute to hand and forearm musculoskeletal pain and disorders.
  • Existing mouse designs may not adequately address the biomechanical factors contributing to user discomfort.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design and evaluate alternative computer mouse designs aimed at reducing extensor muscle loading in the index and middle fingers.
  • To investigate the impact of altered button switch direction and force on muscle activity and user performance.
  • To identify potential ergonomic improvements for computer mouse interfaces.

Main Methods:

  • A repeated-measures laboratory experiment involving 20 participants.
  • Testing of four alternative mouse designs against a reference mouse.
  • Measurement of muscle loading using intramuscular and surface electromyography (EMG) and assessment of performance via movement times.

Main Results:

  • Alternative mouse designs with a forward switch direction significantly reduced sustained finger extensor muscle activity (up to 2.5% MVC).
  • However, these designs led to increased finger flexor muscle activity (up to 0.6% MVC) and longer movement times (up to 31%).
  • A high switch force design also increased flexor EMG without significantly affecting movement times.

Conclusions:

  • Altering computer mouse switch direction can effectively reduce sustained extensor muscle loading, a potential risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Trade-offs exist, including increased flexor muscle loading and decreased performance, which must be considered in ergonomic design.
  • Findings inform ergonomic and human-computer interface design strategies to mitigate upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder risks.