The Experts below are selected from a list of 22611 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Michel W Coppieters - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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a vertical Mouse and ergonomic Mouse pads alter wrist position but do not reduce carpal tunnel pressure in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome
Applied Ergonomics, 2015Co-Authors: Annina B Schmid, Paul Kubler, Venerina Johnston, Michel W CoppietersAbstract:Non-neutral wrist positions and external pressure leading to increased carpal tunnel pressure during Computer use have been associated with a heightened risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study investigated whether commonly used ergonomic devices reduce carpal tunnel pressure in patients with CTS. Carpal tunnel pressure was measured in twenty-one patients with CTS before, during and after a Computer Mouse task using a standard Mouse, a vertical Mouse, a gel Mouse pad and a gliding palm support. Carpal tunnel pressure increased while operating a Computer Mouse. Although the vertical Mouse significantly reduced ulnar deviation and the gel Mouse pad and gliding palm support decreased wrist extension, none of the ergonomic devices reduced carpal tunnel pressure. The findings of this study do therefore not endorse a strong recommendation for or against any of the ergonomic devices commonly recommended for patients with CTS. Selection of ergonomic devices remains dependent on personal preference.
Hans O Richter - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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effect of ciliary muscle contraction force on trapezius muscle activity during Computer Mouse work
European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2019Co-Authors: Dmitry Domkin, Mikael Forsman, Hans O RichterAbstract:The present study aimed to identify whether or not an increase in ciliary-muscle contraction force, when the eye-lens is adjusted for viewing at a near distance, results in an increase in trapezius muscle activity, while performing a natural work task. Twelve participants, ranging in age from 21 to 32 years, performed a Computer-Mouse work task during free gaze conditions. A moving visual target was tracked with a Computer Mouse on a screen placed at two different distances from the eyes, 25 cm and 50 cm. Tracking performance, eye accommodation, and bilateral trapezius muscle activity were measured continuously. Ciliary-muscle contraction force was computed according to a formula which takes into account the age-dependent, non-linear relationship between the contraction force of the ciliary muscle and the produced level of eye accommodation. Generalized estimating equations analyses were performed. On the dominant hand side and for the nearest screen distance, there was a significant effect of ciliary-muscle contraction force on the trapezius muscle activity (p 0.05). The results support the hypothesis that high visual demands, during Computer Mouse work, increase ciliary muscle contraction force and contribute to a raise of the sustained level of trapezius muscle activity. The current study specifically clarifies the validity of the relationship between ciliary-muscle contraction force and trapezius muscle activity and demonstrates that this relationship is not due to a general personality trait. We conclude that a high level of ciliary muscle contraction force can contribute to a development of musculoskeletal complaints in the neck–shoulder area.
David Rempel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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influence of time pressure and verbal provocation on physiological and psychological reactions during work with a Computer Mouse
European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2002Co-Authors: Jens Wahlstrom, Mats Hagberg, Peter Johnson, J Svensson, David RempelAbstract:The overall aim of this study was to investigate whether time pressure and verbal provocation has any effect on physiological and psychological reactions during work with a Computer Mouse. It was hypothesised that physiological reactions other than muscle activity (i.e. wrist movements, forces applied to the Computer Mouse) would not be affected when working under stressful conditions. Fifteen subjects (8 men and 7 women) participated, performing a standardised text-editing task under stress and control conditions. Blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, electromyography, a force-sensing Computer Mouse and electrogoniometry were used to assess the physiological reactions of the subjects. Mood ratings and ratings of perceived exertion were used to assess their psychological reactions. The time pressure and verbal provocation (stress situation) resulted in increased physiological and psychological reactions compared with the two control situations. Heart rate, blood pressure and muscle activity in the first dorsal interosseus, right extensor digitorum and right trapezius muscles were greater in the stress situation. The peak forces applied to the button of the Computer Mouse and wrist movements were also affected by condition. Whether the increases in the physiological reactions were due to stress or increased speed/productivity during the stress situation is discussed. In conclusion, work with a Computer Mouse under time pressure and verbal provocation (stress conditions) led to increased physiological and psychological reactions compared to control conditions.
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effects of Computer Mouse design and task on carpal tunnel pressure
Ergonomics, 1999Co-Authors: Peter J Keir, Joel M Bach, David RempelAbstract:Computer Mouse use has become an integral part of office work in the past decade. Intensive Mouse use has been associated with increased risk of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Sustained, elevated fluid pressure in the carpal tunnel may play a role in the pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel pressure was measured in 14 healthy individuals while they performed tasks using three different Computer mice. Participants performed a multidirectional dragging (‘drag and drop’) task starting with the hand resting (static posture) on the Mouse. With one Mouse, an additional pointing (‘point-and-click’) task was performed. All mice were associated with similar wrist extension postures (p= 0.41) and carpal tunnel pressures (p= 0.48). Pressures were significantly greater during dragging and pointing tasks than when resting the hand (static posture) on the Mouse (p= 0.003). The mean pressures during the dragging tasks were 28.8- 33.1 mmHg, ∼ 12 mmHg great...
Annina B Schmid - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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a vertical Mouse and ergonomic Mouse pads alter wrist position but do not reduce carpal tunnel pressure in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome
Applied Ergonomics, 2015Co-Authors: Annina B Schmid, Paul Kubler, Venerina Johnston, Michel W CoppietersAbstract:Non-neutral wrist positions and external pressure leading to increased carpal tunnel pressure during Computer use have been associated with a heightened risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study investigated whether commonly used ergonomic devices reduce carpal tunnel pressure in patients with CTS. Carpal tunnel pressure was measured in twenty-one patients with CTS before, during and after a Computer Mouse task using a standard Mouse, a vertical Mouse, a gel Mouse pad and a gliding palm support. Carpal tunnel pressure increased while operating a Computer Mouse. Although the vertical Mouse significantly reduced ulnar deviation and the gel Mouse pad and gliding palm support decreased wrist extension, none of the ergonomic devices reduced carpal tunnel pressure. The findings of this study do therefore not endorse a strong recommendation for or against any of the ergonomic devices commonly recommended for patients with CTS. Selection of ergonomic devices remains dependent on personal preference.
Jack T Dennerlein - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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providing training enhances the biomechanical improvements of an alternative Computer Mouse design
Human Factors, 2009Co-Authors: Annemieke Houwink, Karen Oude M Hengel, Dan Odell, Jack T DennerleinAbstract:To determine if an alternative Mouse promotes more neutral postures and decreases forearm muscle activity and if training enhances these biomechanical benefits is the purpose of the study. Computer Mouse use is a risk factor for developing musculoskeletal disorders; alternative Mouse designs can help lower these risks. Ergonomic training combined with alternative input devices could be even more effective than alternative designs alone. Participants performed a set of Computer Mouse tasks with a standard Mouse and an alternative Mouse while an electromagnetic motion analysis system measured their wrist and forearm postures and surface electromyography measured the muscle activity of three wrist extensor muscles. Fifteen participants received no training on how to hold the alternative Mouse, whereas the remaining 15 participants received verbal instructions before and during use of the alternative Mouse. The alternative Mouse was found to promote a more neutral forearm posture compared with the standard Mouse (up to 11.5° lower forearm pronation); however, pronation was further reduced when instructions on how to hold the Mouse were provided. Wrist extensor muscle activity was reduced for the alternative Mouse (up to 1.8% of maximum voluntary contraction lower) compared with the standard Mouse, but only after participants received instructions. The alternative Mouse design decreased biomechanical exposures; instructions enhanced this potential ergonomic benefit of the design.
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alternative Computer Mouse design and testing to reduce finger extensor muscle activity during Mouse use
Human Factors, 2007Co-Authors: David L Lee, Jacob Fleisher, Hugh E Mcloone, Kentaro Kotani, Jack T DennerleinAbstract:Objective: The purpose of this study was to design and test alternative Computer Mouse designs that attempted to reduce extensor muscle loading of the index and middle fingers by altering the orientation of the button switch direction and the force of the switch. Background: Computer users of two-button Mouse designs exhibit sustained lifted finger behaviors above the buttons, which may contribute to hand and forearm musculoskeletal pain associated with intensive Mouse use. Methods: In a repeated-measures laboratory experiment, 20 participants completed point-and-click, steering, and drag tasks with four alternative Mouse designs and a reference Mouse. Intramuscular and surface electromyography (EMG) measured muscle loading, and movement times recorded by software provided a measure of performance. Results: Changing the direction of the switch from a conventional downward to a forward design reduced (up to 2.5% maximum voluntary contraction [MVC]) sustained muscle activity (10th percentile EMG amplitude d...