Search research articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Videos

Computer mouse or Trackpoint--effects on muscular load and operator experience

E Fernström¹, M O Ericson

¹Futura, Statshälsan Research and Development, Karlskrona, Sweden.

Applied Ergonomics

|January 1, 1998

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Cerebrospinal fluid markers of extracellular matrix remodelling, synaptic plasticity and neuroinflammation before and after cranial radiotherapy.

Journal of internal medicine·2018

Same author

Blood pressure and cardiovascular autonomic function in healthy children and adolescents.

The Journal of pediatrics·2000

Same author

Work content and satisfaction before and after a reorganisation of data entry work.

Applied ergonomics·1998

Same author

Autonomic function in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association·1998

Same author

Upper-arm elevation during office work.

Ergonomics·1996

Same author

Amplitude and timing of electromyographic activity during sprinting.

Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports·1996

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

To reduce shoulder muscle strain from computer mouse use, consider using a Trackpoint device or an arm support. However, these methods may increase hand and forearm muscular load.

Area of Science:

Ergonomics
Human-Computer Interaction
Occupational Health

Background:

Repetitive strain injuries are common among computer users.
Optimizing human-computer interaction (HCI) is crucial for preventing musculoskeletal disorders.
Different input devices and ergonomic setups can significantly impact user comfort and physical load.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate four distinct human-computer interaction modes.
To assess the influence of these modes on shoulder and forearm muscular load.
To quantify perceived strain on the neck, shoulder, and arms during word processing tasks.

Main Methods:

Electromyography (EMG) was used to measure muscular load in shoulder and forearm muscles.
Participants performed word processing tasks using four different input modes: keyboard only, keyboard and mouse, keyboard/mouse with 3D arm support, and keyboard with Trackpoint.

Related Experiment Videos

Subjects completed questionnaires to rate perceived strain and mode preference.

Main Results:

Using a Trackpoint device or a mouse with a 3D arm support reduced shoulder muscle strain compared to standard mouse use.
Both the Trackpoint and arm support methods led to increased muscular load in the hand and forearm.
Significant differences in muscular load and perceived strain were observed across the tested interaction modes.

Conclusions:

Employing a Trackpoint or a mouse with a movable arm support can mitigate shoulder muscle strain during computer work.
These ergonomic interventions may shift the muscular load to the hand and forearm, necessitating further investigation.
The findings provide valuable insights for designing more ergonomic computer workstations and interaction methods.