MOUSES

Computing now involves the use of a mouse or pointing device as well as a keyboard. Ideally, the mouse should be straight in front of the hand using it with the upper arm
hanging relaxed from the shoulder. This is often in conflict with the position of the keyboard. Using a keyboard without a number pad can be beneficial. Many people get shoulder and neck pain from mouse usage. It is often found that this is because the arm is
being held away from the side of the body for prolonged periods. Try and bring the mouse closer to the body. Other users hold the mouse with their fingers held above the
mouse buttons, again this could lead to pain in the wrist, forearm, neck and/or shoulder. A person should be able to rest their fingers on the buttons without them being inadvertently pressed. Some users have found using different shaped mouses with different button
configurations helps. Trialing different mouse designs is recommended. Due to differences in tasks and hand size and shape, different mouse designs will suit different people. It is important that when people use a mouse they do so without high muscle stress - the arm, wrist and fingers should not be in great tension.

FOOTREST

  • preferred height adjustable range of
    50-185 mm at the front edge
  • slope range of 0 to 15 degrees at least
  • preferred dimensions 350 mm deep by
    450 mm wide

As the footrest is actually acting as a false floor it needs to
be large enough to take two feet comfortably with a bit of
room to move. To truly mimic the floor a footrest would be
able to be horizontal and, of course, be stable.
WRIST RESTS

The use of wrist rests can reduce the muscle activity in the forearm and shoulder muscles, which can reduce muscle stress. They can also restrict the movement of
the wrist and arms, which is not so good. Many users are finding that support of the wrists and hands is very helpful in reducing pain and find their muscles feel less tired. Wrist rests are primarily for periods of rest between bouts of typing.
 
LAPTOPS

Laptops are becoming increasingly common in the office. They are often a great convenience. However, the proximity of the integrated keyboard and screen is not good for regular use. If a laptop is to be used for prolonged periods it is recommended that, as a minimum, an external monitor or keyboard is used. Additionally, an external pointing device should be used during extended periods of
use. Having either an external monitor or keyboard, in the most common locations of use, allows an important degree of freedom in setting one's posture that is not possible with just the laptop. Having an external keyboard at both the office and home does not present a huge cost. Laptops are weighty and cause awkward postures when carried in shoulder bags. A backpack style bag is recommended to carry a laptop.

 
   
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