The effects of user friendly keyboard slope modifications on wrist postures when keyboarding

Issue title: Safer and Healthier Workplaces

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Willey, Marc S.

Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Central Arkansas, 201 Donaghey Avenue, Conway, AR 72035, USA. Tel.: +1 501 450 5569; Fax: +1 501 450 3622; E-mail: marcw@uca.edu

Abstract: Background: Extensive keyboarding has been associated as a risk factor for repetitive strain injuries. Modifying the slope angle may decrease the negative cumulative effects of this activity. Objective: This study investigated the kinematic effect of four keyboard modifications on wrist extension during keyboarding. Participants: 32 female college students between the age of 21 and 25, mean age of 22.4 years. Method: A Greenleaf Biomechanical Analyzer was utilized to determine the wrist extension angles across four keyboard modifications. Results: A one way ANOVA with repeated measures revealed significant differences between all 4 test conditions for both right and left wrist extension, Wilks Lambda 0.249 F (3,29) 29.1, p=0.000 n^{2} = 0.75 for left wrist and Wilks Lambda 0.158 F (3,29) 51.6, p=0.000 n^{2} = 0.84 for the right wrist. Conclusion: The study suggests that simple modifications to a standard computer keyboard can significantly vary wrist angles during keyboarding. These findings could possibly improve worksite modification guidelines and prevent repetitive strain injuries among keyboarders.

Keywords: Repetitive strain injuries, worksite modification, prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1193

Journal: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 441-444, 2011