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With more and more of the computer programs designed in
window environment and an increasing popularity in the internet, the use of the mouse over
keying has also increased. Unfortunately, there has also been an increase in mouse-related
injury.
The following cause the most mouse-related injuries:
Mouse position
- People often place their mouse away from their bodies,
especially when their desks have a small keyboard tray that cannot accommodate a mouse.
Then the mouse is likely to be up on the desktop, causing them to reach and extend their
arm which requires greater shoulder action. When this situation occurs the shoulder is
required to act frequently, resulting in fatigue and potentially a repetitive strain of
some shoulder muscles.
Grip
- Many people have developed musculoskeletal disorders from
holding the mouse with too great a force. By squeezing the mouse tight it can cause the
hands and arms to tire easily and may lead to possible muscle strain.
Mousing postures
- As to the keyboard, many people tend to hold and move their
mouse in awkward postures as shown in Figure 1. These postures impose abnormal forces on
the tendinous structures of the wrist which can lead to fatigue, pain and injury.
Figure
1 Incorrect
Mouse Postures |
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Force and awkward wrist movement
- Many people use tremendous force to drag and move the mouse
up and down and from side to side to move the cursor to the desired point. The
unresponsiveness of the mouse is due to losing contact with the mouse pad or clogging of
the ball mechanism. In addition, some people bend their wrist inward or outward when
mousing which increases the risk of injury.
Pointing
Devices - Tips for use,
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