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Document ID (ISN)73175
CIS number 99-1360
ISSN - Serial title 0169-8141 - International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics
Year 1999
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Karlqvist L., Bernmark E., Ekenvall L., Hagberg M., Isaksson A., Rostö T.
Title Computer mouse and track-ball operation: Similarities and differences in posture, muscular load and perceived exertion
Bibliographic information Mar. 1999, Vol.23, No.3, p.157-169. Illus. 26 ref.
Abstract Posture, muscular load, perceived exertion, preference and productivity were investigated in 20 healthy VDU-operators during text editing with two different data input devices, a mouse and a track-ball. Arm support reduced muscle activity in the neck/shoulder region irrespective of the input device used. A table height lower than 3cm above elbow height allowed arm and shoulder support without undue shoulder elevation. Work with the track-ball entailed more wrist extension than work with the mouse. Perceived exertion ratings were lower for the shoulder and higher for the hand with track-ball than with mouse operation. Women elevated and rotated the right shoulder outwards more often than men during work with both input devices. Electromyography results showed higher activity among the women than among the men in two of the examined muscles. This may relate to anthropometric differences which influence biomechanical load moments or to the observed differences in working techniques between men and women. Topics: computer terminals; design of equipment; ergonomic evaluation; forearm rotation; man-computer interfaces; measurement of load on muscles; muscle contractor activity; muscular work; physical workload; sex-linked differences; upper extremities; work posture.
Descriptors (primary) work posture; design of equipment; man-computer interfaces; computer terminals
Descriptors (secondary) muscle contractor activity; muscular work; physical workload; sex-linked differences; upper extremities; measurement of load on muscles; ergonomic evaluation; forearm rotation
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceSweden
Subject(s) Ergonomics and work organization
Broad subject area(s) Physiology, ergonomics
Browse category(ies) Ergonomics
Office work
Visual display terminals (VDTs)
Work posture