How do you choose the right mouse?

Transcription

1 Work Smart - Feel Good How do you choose the right mouse? A practical overview of the health and performance effects provided by ergonomic mice.

2 Introduction The most commonly used accessory for working with a computer or laptop is still the mouse. Particularly in work environments, a mouse is often used and is even a standard device included at many computer workstations. Various studies confirm these statements. Following a survey of The Atlantic in 2014 conducted among almost 300 people, it appeared that more than threequarters had used an external mouse during the previous week. Due to its frequent use, having a good mouse is essential for making work on a computer or laptop healthy and comfortable. There are many different kinds of mice on the market today, most of which (i.e. the unconventional mice) are also ergonomically responsible. From vertical, precision and centrally positioned mice to a pen tablet: How can you choose which mouse is right for you? This whitepaper provides insight into the effects of ergonomic mice on health and performance. The first section takes a close look at European legislation. Next to be addressed, step by step, are health-related effects, the alternative for the computer mouse, and performance-related effects. We conclude with a useful selection guide for determining the ergonomic mouse that best fits your preferences and mouse use. 2

3 What does EU legislation say? European legislation stipulates that a monitor must be separated from the keyboard. For stationary computers such as desktops and thin clients, the monitor and keyboard are already separate elements. An external mouse allows you to work quickly and comfortably on a laptop. This is not so, however, with a laptop in which the monitor and keyboard are a single unit. To comply with the legislation, one should use a separate keyboard when working on a laptop. It is also necessary to use a laptop stand to enable placing the monitor in any position. Because the mouse in the touchpad is an immovable element in a laptop, it is placed between the monitor and the keyboard, which makes using it inconvenient, unless an external mouse is used. An external mouse is thus a logical choice when considering the standpoint of legislation. And from the user s standpoint, it s necessary for working comfortably and quickly on a laptop. 3

4 Health effects Prolonged use of a mouse can result in pain and discomfort in the shoulders, forearms and hands (Chang, et al., 2007; Andersen, et al., 2008). Using an ergonomic mouse can help to counteract these effects and results in more comfort. 4

5 Hand, wrist and forearm strain Using a conventional (standard) mouse places the hand, wrist and forearm in an unfavourable position. The use of a conventional mouse puts additional strain on the body in three ways: 1. Pronation Pronation of the forearm occurs when the palm of the hand is turned inward from its neutral starting position. Supination Neutral Pronation During this movement, the bones in the forearm and their attached muscles cross each other as shown below. This results in increased muscle tension. A B 5

6 2. Wrist extension Due to the normal height of the mouse, the wrist is bent backward, this is known as wrist extension. Since the user also has to lift the forefinger in order to click, this increases the strain throughout the wrist area. 3. Ulnar and radial deviation The most commonly used way of holding a conventional mouse involves ulnar deviation. This means that the hand is turned in the direction of its little finger as shown below. The degree to which we can turn our hand towards our thumb (radial deviation) is much more limited. This means that the hand is usually turned to the right: ulnar deviation. In this position, the wrist is not often in a neutral position when using a conventional mouse. Over time, this will lead to strain. 6

7 Various kinds of ergonomic mice There are various ergonomic mice that increase the comfort of using a mouse. All three mice described below also reduce pronation, wrist extension and ulnar deviation to one extent or another. Centrally positioned mice: roller bar mice and touchpad The advantage of centrally positioned mice is that they are located directly in front of the user: between the user and the keyboard. This results in less muscle strain in the shoulder as compared to a conventional mouse which is located beside the keyboard. When using a central mouse, the shoulder does not have to be turned outward (Lin, et al., 2014). In addition, the forearms engage in less muscle activity than when using a conventional mouse (Lin, et al., 2014). There are two reasons for this. First of all, the wrist is bent backwards more when using a conventional mouse, so this involves wrist extension. The fingers are also extended almost as far as possible so that the user has to click from this position. Since a central mouse does not force this position, the result is less muscle strain. 7

8 Pen tablet and other precision-grip mice A pen mouse as well as various other mice can be held with the fingertips. When using these mice, the fingers are often held at a tighter angle while the backward bending of the wrist is actually decreased, as shown below. A precision-grip mouse results in less muscle strain The pen mouse and precision-grip mice thus offer about the same advantages as centrally positioned mice. The use of a precision mouse can also result in less muscle strain in the forearms because this involves less wrist extension (Kotani & Horii, 2003; Ulmann, et al., 2003). When it comes to the shoulders, however, there is no difference in muscle strain. After all, this kind of mouse, like a conventional mouse, is often placed next to the keyboard (Müller, et al., 2010; Kotani & Horii, 2003). 8

9 Vertical mice Vertical mice such as the handshake and joystick mice are grasped in a handshake position, as shown below. This position keeps the wrist from bending as much to the side while the forearm also turns inward to a lesser degree. In other words, using a vertical mouse decreases ulnar deviation and pronation (Schmid, et al., 2015). This means that muscle activity in the forearm is less than it would be when using a conventional mouse (Quemelo & Vieira, 2013). Research has shown that the use of a vertical joystick mouse ensures a faster recovery of forearm, wrist and hand complaints (Aarås, et al., 2001). Whether this is the case for all vertical mice, however, is unknown. 9

10 The positioning of the mouse Not only do the shape and the way of controling the mouse have an effect on posture but so does the position of the mouse on the desktop. The numeric keypad included in a traditional full-size keyboard greatly increases its width, while a large percentage of computer users use this part of the keyboard scarcely if at all. The width of the keyboard keeps the mouse from being positioned in line with the shoulder and thus impairs the user s working posture. Compact keyboards without a numeric keypad reduce the reaching distance to the mouse and thus decrease strain on the shoulder and forearm, which, in turn, helps to achieve good posture. 10

11 Alternatives to the use of mice Cutting mouse use in half results in a production gain of 20 minutes Using a mouse is not always the most efficient way of carrying out computer tasks. Tasks can be carried out on an average of 30% faster, for example, by using shortcut keys (Lane, et al., 2005 / Tak, 2007). There are also indications that the use of shortcut keys can enhance work comfort and that users go home in fitter condition if they use more shortcut keys (Blok, et al., 2008). This makes shortcut keys a good solution for consistently reducing mouse use and also for working faster and more efficiently. Studies have shown that the average computer user is using the mouse for about half the time spent at the computer. To be precise, this is even 53% (IJmker, et al., 2011). By cutting mouse use in half, the user can achieve a production gain of 20 minutes a day. The use of mice will always be necessary, however, because many of the latest applications would be limited or even impossible to use due to the lack of the right shortcut keys. 11

12 Performance effects Research has demonstrated that a mouse on a laptop leads to a definite improvement in performance (Sommerich, et al., 2002). For more information about this, please refer to our whitepaper entitled How to work comfortably with a laptop?. Replacing a conventional mouse with an ergonomic one will subsequently make a considerable improvement in comfort but will simultaneously decrease performance. Although using an ergonomic mouse is often healthier for you, you cannot work quite as quickly with it as you can with a conventional mouse. Scott Mackenzie at York University in Canada convincingly demonstrated the lower speed of an ergonomic mouse. He had subjects conduct the same kind of mouse operation many times. Although they increased their speed by practicing with the touchpad and joystick mouse, the graph below shows that their speed was fastest with a conventional mouse, followed by a touchpad and a joystick (MacKenzie, et al., 2001). Joystick Touchpad Standard Mouse Graph 1 Time needed The time needed to complete a mouse task given various kinds of mice. Reference: Mackenzie, et al., Number of times practiced 12

13 Performance effects provided by ergonomic mice Ergonomic mice are thus somewhat slower to use than a conventional mouse. The difference in performance effect, however, depends on the kind of mouse. Centrally positioned mice: the roller bar mouse and the touchpad Studies other than Mackenzie s also confirmed that a touchpad is definitely slower than a conventional mouse. Depending on the task being carried out, the time needed to accomplish it with a touchpad took at least 25% longer (Hertzum & Hornbaek, 2010; Lee & Su, 2008). This is because using a touchpad requires more than a single movement to carry out the task. The same is true of a central roller bar mouse and a trackball mouse. 13

14 Pen tablet and other precision mice When it comes to carrying out mouse tasks, pen tablets are slower than conventional mice (Müller, et al., 2010). For tasks demanding a high level of precision (e.g. editing photos), however, a pen mouse is faster than a conventional mouse (Chen, et al., 2011). People quickly get used to working with a pen and tablet. After one day of practice, their performance using a pen and tablet equals that of a conventional mouse (Kotani & Horii, 2003). It should also be noted, however, that the tasks in this study were limited to mouse operations. This is not like everyday computer use in which keyboard and mouse operations are constantly alternating. After all, picking up a pen takes more time than grasping a mouse. Vertical mice A handshake mouse (a vertically positioned mouse) is 10 to 19% slower than a conventional mouse (Quemelo & Ramos Vieira, 2013; Scarlett, et al., 2005) but is still considerably faster than a joystick mouse (Scarlett, et al., 2005). Editing images with a pen mouse takes less time 14

15 Selection guide Deciding on the right mouse involves various factors. One of these is how the mouse is being used. Some employees require a high degree of precision in using their mouse while others work on much less precise tasks. Another factor is personal preference. In general, users consider the following elements when selecting a computer mouse: user convenience, physical comfort and precision. This selection guide makes it easier to select the mouse that is just right for you. Vertical grip Advice Reduces strain Precision User convenience Evoluent Wrists Arms Vertical joystick Anir Wrists Arms -- - Precision grip DXT Wrists Arms ++ + Pen tablet Office 54 Pen tablet Wrists Arms + -/+ Roller bar Barmouse Wrists Arms Hands Shoulders -/+ - Conventional Lasermouse design None

16 About BakkerElkhuizen Contact details: BakkerElkhuizen International B.V. Palmpolstraat CB ALMERE The Netherlands Tel Website: BakkerElkhuizen develops excellent products for making computer use healthy and efficient. Products from BakkerElkhuizen display the perfect combination of function, ergonomics and design. BakkerElkhuizen advises and helps companies equip their workplace, including offices that use telecommuting and flexible working, so that each workstation receives the right solution and the right accessories. BakkerElkhuizen bases this on four workstation concepts: - permanent workstation - mobile workstation - flexible workstation - home workstation We want to share our knowledge: Subscribe here to our newsletter We would like to help you! We enjoy giving you the best possible advice, and because everyone and every organisation is unique, our specialists give tailored advice. The point of departure is that an employee must be able to perform his or her computer work comfortably, healthily and efficiently wherever he or she works. People come first in everything that BakkerElkhuizen does, whether it concerns developing new products, performing research or cooperating with suppliers, resellers and customers. Are you looking for a reseller of our products? Phone us ( ) or send us a short (info@bakkerelkhuizen.com) with your question or problem and we will contact you within 24 hours with the right advice for you. 16

17 References Aarås A, Dainoff M, Ro O, Thoresen M, Can a More Neutral Position of the Forearm When Operating a Computer Mouse Reduce the Pain Level for Visual Display Unit Operators? A Prospective Epidemiological Intervention Study: Part II, International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. 2001; 13(1): Andersen JH, Harhoff M, Grimstrup S, Vilstrup I, Lassen CF, Brandt LP, Kryger AI, Overgaard E, Hansen KD, Mikkelsen S. Computer mouse use predicts acute pain but not prolonged or chronic pain in the neck and shoulder. Occup Environ Med Feb;65(2): Blok MM, Vink P, Van Lingen P. Implications for Health and Performance when Replacing Mouse Use with Shortcut Keys. In; Karwowski W, Slavendy G. Conference Proceedings, 2nd International Congress on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics. AHFE 2008, July 2008, Las Vegas, USA. Chang CH, Amick BC 3rd, Menendez CC, Katz JN, Johnson PW, Robertson M, Dennerlein JT. Daily computer usage correlated with undergraduate students musculoskeletal symptoms. Am J Ind Med Jun;50(6): Chen JY, Seagull FJ, Nagy P, Lakhani P, Melhem ER, Siegel EL, Safdar NM. Computer input devices: neutral party or source of significant error in manual lesion segmentation? J Digit Imaging Feb;24(1): Council Directive 90/270/EEC of 29 May 1990 on the minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment (fifth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC). Van Eerd D, Munhall C, Irvin E, Rempel D, Brewer S, van der Beek AJ, Dennerlein JT, Tullar J, Skivington K, Pinion C, Amick B. Effectiveness of workplace interventions in the prevention of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and symptoms: an update of the evidence. Occup Environ Med Jan;73(1): Hertzum, M, Hornbæk, K. How Age Affects Pointing with Mouse and Touchpad: A Comparison of Young, Adult, and Elderly Users. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. 2010; 26(7): Ijmker S, Huysmans MA, van der Beek AJ, Knol DL, van Mechelen W, Bongers PM, Blatter BM. Software-recorded and self-reported duration of computer use in relation to the onset of severe arm-wrist-hand pain and neck-shoulder pain. Occup Environ Med Jul;68(7): Kotani K and Horii K. An Analysis of Muscular Load and Performance in Using a Pen-tablet System, J Physiol Anthropol. 2003;22 (2): Lane DM, Napier HA, Peres SC, Sándor A. Hidden Costs of Graphical User Interfaces: Failure to Make the Transition from Menus and Icon Toolbars to Keyboard Shortcuts. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. 2005;18(2): Lee YH, Su MC. Design and validation of a desk-free and postureindependent input device. Appl Ergon May;39(3): Lin MY, Young JG, Dennerlein JT. Evaluating the effect of four different pointing device designs on upper extremity posture and muscle activity during mousing tasks. Appl Ergon Mar;47: MacKenzie IS, Kauppinen T, Silfverberg M. Accuracy measures for evaluating computer pointing devices. Proceedings of the ACM Conference on Human 17

18 Factors in Computing Systems. 2001: Müller C, Tomatis L, Läubli T. Muscular load and performance compared between a pen and a computer mouse as input devices. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 2010; 40(6): Quemelo PR1 Vieira ER. Biomechanics and performance when using a standard and a vertical computer mouse. Ergonomics. 2013;56(8): Scarlett DS, Bohan M, Io L, Jorgensen M, Chaparo A. Psychophysical comparison of five mouse designs. HCI International 2005: The 11th international Conference on Human-Computer Interaction. Las Vegas Schmid AB, Kubler PA, Johnston V, Coppieters MW. A vertical mouse and ergonomic mouse pads alter wrist position but do not reduce carpal tunnel pressure in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Appl Ergon Mar;47: Sommerich, CM, Starr, H, Smith, CA, Shivers. Effects of notebook computer configuration and task on user biomechanics, productivity, and comfort. International Journal Industrial Ergonomics. 2002; 30: Tak S. The Use of Keyboard Shortcuts. Optimizing versus satisficing in the use of complex technology. PhD thesis. Eindhoven University of Technology, Ullman J, Kangas N, Ullman P, Wartenberg F, Ericson M. A new approach to the mouse arm syndrome. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2003;9(4):