As part of our workplace assessments Access 2 Comfort provide advice about ergonomic solutions to improve and promote wellbeing and comfort in the workplace.
There is a myriad of ergonomic solutions available in the marketplace, this is great for consumer choice but can make the process of choosing the correct solution for your particular need(s) confusing. So, this month we are focusing on mice; the different options and their features.
Laptop use
If you work directly from your laptop, you are likely to be using the integral trackpad. Direct laptop use should be restricted to short periods of time due to the stress placed on the body, from working in this position. Using a laptop directly on the desktop will cause neck flexion and hunched shoulders, as you look down to view screen content.
Laptop stand
Placing your laptop on a stand will enable you to view screen content with a neutral posture. However, once raised the integral keyboard and trackpad cannot be used due to the position of the laptop.
Standard Mouse
Many people will use a standard mouse and have no issues. If this is the case there is no reason to change to a different device. However, we see a lot of people who undertake mouse intensive work and report arm, shoulder, wrist and hand pain and discomfort from use of a standard mouse. There are a number of possible reasons for this. Firstly, when using a standard mouse, the arm is held in a pronated position, this is not a natural position to be held for long periods and causes strain in the forearm. Secondly, the hand is used to grip the mouse, with the wrist in extension due to the height of the mouse and held in ulnar deviation, with the wrist and hand twisted toward the little finger. Thirdly the mouse is very often positioned outside of the user’s functional reach causing the arm and shoulder to be placed under stress on use of the mouse. In some cases, this can be prevented by using a shorter keyboard.
Vertical Mouse
A vertical mouse like a standard mouse is still used to the side of the body, however, the hand is held in a hand-shake style position, preventing pronation and ulnar deviation. Consequently, there is less pressure placed through the arm, wrist and hand. These mice come in different sizes so it is worth measuring your hand size before making a purchase, and make sure to choose the correct orientation for you; left or right-handed.
Adjustable Angle Mouse
This type of mouse enables the angle to be set to the individual, consequently, the mouse is more bespoke to the individual user and requires less gripping of the hand to use the mouse. The angle can also be changed intermittently so the wrist is not always held in the same position.
Roll Bar Mouse
A roller bar mouse sits in front of the keyboard. This reduces the stretch on the arms and shoulders. In addition, either hand can be used to control the mouse, so repetitive movements can be reduced, by sharing the workload between the upper limbs.
Combined keyboard and mouse
This replicates the setup of a laptop with the trackpad centralised, below the keypad. Again, this enables the use of the input device, without any gripping of the hand or twisting at the forearm and wrist and without the shoulder being held in an outstretched position.
Assessment
If you think you would benefit from an alternative style of mouse, we would recommend you consider what it is about your current mouse use, that is causing you discomfort. This way you can try to determine the best option for your particular needs. Alternatively, if you are not sure what is causing your pain and discomfort you may benefit from an assessment, where through discussion and observation one of our qualified assessors will be able to advise you not only on input device use, but on your whole workstation setup.
In the event that post-assessment you purchase a recommended mouse, you will have a two-week trial period in which to adapt to the features of the device, if after this time you find the equipment unsuitable, this can be returned, subject to terms and conditions.