Effects of Ergorest arm supports on muscle strain and wrist positions during the use of the mouse and keyboard in work with visual display units: a work site intervention

Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2001;7(1):103-16. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2001.11076480.

Abstract

The effects of Ergorest arm supports on wrist angles and musculoskeletal strain in the neck-shoulder-arm region and electrical activity in the shoulder and arm muscles were studied during typing or the use of the mouse in work with a visual display unit (VDU). Twenty-one women were randomized into 3 groups (1 arm support, 2 arm supports, and control). Measurements were carried out before and after the 6-week intervention. The wrist extension of the mouse hand, the muscle activity of the trapezius muscle, and the subjective discomfort ratings indicated that 2 arm supports were better than 1 in work with a mouse. The Ergorest arm support alleviates muscle and joint strain in VDU work when used for both arms.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arm Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Computer Terminals*
  • Equipment Design
  • Ergonomics / instrumentation*
  • Female
  • Finland
  • Humans
  • Microcomputers
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology*
  • User-Computer Interface*
  • Wrist Injuries / prevention & control*