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Effect of VDT Mouse Design on Task and Musculoskeletal Performance.

PB97206239

Publication Date	1997
Personal Author	Barr, A. E.
Page Count	7
Abstract	The effects of mouse use on the forearm and wrist were evaluated among occupational groups in a laboratory setting using pertinent musculoskeletal and skill proficiency outcome measures. An alternative mouse was designed that would reduce the risk of forearm and wrist cumulative trauma disorder (CTD). The effect of mouse design on skill acquisition and proficiency was determined in both highly skilled and novice occupational mouse users. The criteria for the design of the mouse input device were presented. The new mouse design was evaluated on the basis of task performance and motor coordination during a period of skill acquisition. The new mouse was designed so that the forearm would be maintained in a position neutral pronation/supination during mouse operation, the wrist would be maintained in a position of neutral radial/ulnar deviation during mouse operation; excursions of the mouse on the work surface would be performed by wrist flexion/extension; and the design would be appropriate for either right or left handed use. The authors note that the synchronization of both task and musculoskeletal performance outcomes permits an integrated method for evaluating computer input devices in general in a way that addresses both health and productivity issues.
Keywords	Musculoskeletal system disorders Computer equipment Occupational safety and health Muscle function Task performance Outcome measures Video display terminals Repetitive work Office workers Design Mouse Cumulative trauma disorder
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Corporate Authors	New York Univ. Medical Center, NY. Occupational and Industrial Orthopaedic Center.; National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH.
Supplemental Notes	Sponsored by National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH.
Document Type	Technical Report
NTIS Issue Number	199724

Effect of VDT Mouse Design on Task and Musculoskeletal Performance.

Effect of VDT Mouse Design on Task and Musculoskeletal Performance.
PB97206239

Publication Date	1997
Personal Author	Barr, A. E.
Page Count	7
Abstract	The effects of mouse use on the forearm and wrist were evaluated among occupational groups in a laboratory setting using pertinent musculoskeletal and skill proficiency outcome measures. An alternative mouse was designed that would reduce the risk of forearm and wrist cumulative trauma disorder (CTD). The effect of mouse design on skill acquisition and proficiency was determined in both highly skilled and novice occupational mouse users. The criteria for the design of the mouse input device were presented. The new mouse design was evaluated on the basis of task performance and motor coordination during a period of skill acquisition. The new mouse was designed so that the forearm would be maintained in a position neutral pronation/supination during mouse operation, the wrist would be maintained in a position of neutral radial/ulnar deviation during mouse operation; excursions of the mouse on the work surface would be performed by wrist flexion/extension; and the design would be appropriate for either right or left handed use. The authors note that the synchronization of both task and musculoskeletal performance outcomes permits an integrated method for evaluating computer input devices in general in a way that addresses both health and productivity issues.
Keywords	Musculoskeletal system disorders Computer equipment Occupational safety and health Muscle function Task performance Outcome measures Video display terminals Repetitive work Office workers Design Mouse Cumulative trauma disorder
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Corporate Authors	New York Univ. Medical Center, NY. Occupational and Industrial Orthopaedic Center.; National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH.
Supplemental Notes	Sponsored by National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH.
Document Type	Technical Report
NTIS Issue Number	199724