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updating historiC ergonomiC
issues
occurs many times due to the placement of the
keyboard in relation to the mouse. When the
keyboard is in the center, oftentimes the mouse
is over to the side. Thus, the user has to reach for
the mouse (Goodwin, 2004; Hanson, 2004).
Jensen, Finsen, Sogaard, and Christensen
(2002) studied the relationship between muscu-
loskeletal symptoms and duration of computer
and mouse use among a large number of Danish
workers. A greater number of musculoskeletal
symptoms were found among the computer us-
ers using a computer and mouse for long periods
of time per day when compared to those using
a computer for a shorter duration. The authors
indicated there may be a risk of musculoskeletal
symptoms associated with the repetitive nature
of computer work (Jensen et al., 2002).
A study reported in the Journal of the Ameri-
can Medical Association (JAMA), was conducted
to determine the relationship between computer
use and CTS. The study results concluded a
connection between a risk of possible CTS and
using a mouse for greater that 20 hours per week
(Andersen et al., 2003)
A study prepared at Cornell University ad-
dressed the effects of an electric height adjust-
able work surface (EHAW) on computer users'
musculoskeletal discomfort and productivity.
An EHAW allows the computer user to switch
between a sitting and standing posture at work
(Hedge, 2004). The study found “minor increases
in the frequency of experiencing some musculo-
skeletal discomfort” (Hedge, 2004, p. 29). But it
also found “substantial decreases in the severity of
many upper body MSD symptoms after working
at the EHAWs” (Hedge, 2004, p. 29). In addition,
the computer users almost unanimously preferred
the EHAW arrangement (Hedge, 2004).
Addressing mobile computing ergonomic issues
is vital. However, some historically significant
computing ergonomic issues, such as musculo-
skeletal problems and vision problems, remain
important workplace considerations.
musculoskeletal problems
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), as they relate
to keyboard and mouse use, continue to be the
focus of some research. The studies look at the
relationship between these devices and the occur-
rence of some type of MSD. For example, CTS, a
repetitive stress injury, affects the medial nerve
in the hand. It occurs when the nerve is pinched
and may subsequently cause pain, as well as
numbness, tingling, and weakness in the fingers
(Rempel, 2001).
The mouse is a focal point for much of the
current ergonomic concerns. It has been heralded
as a keystroke reducer and as a more user friendly
type of input device. Most end users assume that
no special instructions are needed beyond “point
and click.”
The mouse is now one of the most common
input devices used today. In the last 10 years, the
use of the mouse has gone up drastically (Hanson,
2004). Most software packages require or expect
the use of a mouse. The mouse's point and click
approach is an efficient way to interact with the
computer. It is, in many ways, easy for the end
user. But is its use “easy on the user?” No, it is
not necessarily easier on the user's musculosk-
eletal system.
According to researchers, a computer mouse
causes more hand and arm pain than a keyboard
does. Improper use of a mouse, like reaching,
can lead to arm and shoulder strain (LaGesse,
2003).
“Mouse shoulder” is shoulder discomfort
caused by stretching to reach the mouse. This
vision issues
The American Optometric Association has iden-
tified a vision condition related to computer use
called computer vision syndrome (CVS). It can
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