Ergonomic design of a computer mouse for clients with wrist splints

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We explored effects of cutaneous feedback and hump position on efficiency and comfort in mouse use with a splint. We also analyzed the relationship between anthropometric measurements (width of hand and length of hand, palm, and index) and the task performance. METHOD. Thirty participants performed a computer task with two forms of mice (front hump and rear hump) and two kinds of wrist splints (dorsal and volar). Movement time and satisfaction scores were recorded. RESULTS: No interaction effect (Hump Position · Splint Type) was found on movement time. Movement time was shorter for rear-hump mouse users than for front-hump mouse users. Movement time was also shorter for wearers of dorsal wrist splints than for wearers of volar wrist splints. Limited differences existed in the satisfaction scores. Participants with a longer index finger had shorter movement time. CONCLUSION: Both dorsal wrist splints and rear-hump mice are recommended. Length of index finger positively correlated with task performance.