| Document ID (ISN) | 75433 |
| CIS number |
00-1488 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0169-8141 - International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics |
| Year |
1999 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Chaparro A., Bohan M., Fernandez J., Choi S.D., Kattel B. |
| Title |
The impact of age on computer input device use: Psychophysical and physiological measures |
| Bibliographic information |
Sep. 1999, Vol.24, No.5, p.503-513. Illus. 21 ref. |
| Abstract |
This study examined the effects of aging on performance and preferences for two computer pointing devices (mouse and trackball). The results show that older adults (mean age = 70) moved more slowly than younger adults (mean age = 32), particularly for distant targets, yet their movements were less variable. EMG (RMS) recordings from the forearm flexor and extensor muscles showed no age-related differences between the results of mouse and trackball use. However, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) indicated that older adults perceived greater levels of exertion than younger adults when using the mouse during click-and-drag tasks. Given the reduced grip and pinch force of older adults, manipulation of the mouse and trackball required a greater percentage of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) compared to younger adults. In addition, the mouse requires a larger range of motion than the trackball. These findings in conjunction with the RPE results imply that the trackball may confer greater benefit for the older computer user. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
older workers; man-computer interfaces; computers; perceptual-motor performance |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
intensity of work; muscular strength; comfort assessment; age-linked differences; electromyography; ergonomic evaluation; motion study |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | USA |
| Subject(s) |
Psychology and sociology
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Stress, psychosocial factors
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Older workers
Office work
|
