Affiliations: Ergonomics Division, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Karsten Kluth, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ergonomics Division, University of Siegen, Paul-Bonatz-Str 9-11, D-57068 Siegen, Germany. Tel.: +49 271 740 4407; Fax: +49 271 740 2740; E-mail:kluth@ergonomie.uni-siegen.de
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The positioning of the hand-arm-shoulder system while
computer-aided data entry, text processing or mouse operations - due to the kinematical
chain's own weight - represents an important risk factor for musculoskeletal complaints such
as RSI syndrome as well as PC-work-induced carpal tunnel syndrome. OBJECTIVE: A new system to control the mouse cursor by a rollerbar
promised beneficial support and a more comfortable working with a standard
keyboard. METHODS: Twenty-four subjects, classified by gender and age,
participated in standardized working tests to proof the ergonomic quality of
the rollerbar mouse. The hypothetically expected relief of the
hand-arm-shoulder muscles was measured via electromyographic methods.
Subjective assessments based on the work experiences were obtained in order
to enhance the evaluating of the product's ergonomic quality. RESULTS: The rollerbar system was rated more favorably than the
standard mouse. There are some differences along age and gender lines with
regard to the strength of preference, but the rollerbar was the
unequivocally preferred input device. Unfortunately, the results of the
electromyographic measurements do not support as strong an endorsement for
either of the two products. The reason is that the level of physical strain
during the working tests was simply not high enough. CONCLUSION: The rollerbar mouse could be confirmed as an
ergonomically promising product.
