Effect of Four Computer Keyboards in Computer Users with Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

Eighty computer users with musculoskeletal disorders participated in a six-month, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of four computer keyboards on clinical findings, pain severity, functional hand status, and comfort. The alternative geometry keyboards tested were: the Apple Adjustable Keyboard™ [kb1], Comfort Keyboard System™ [kb2], Microsoft Natural Keyboard™ [kb3] and placebo. Compared to placebo, kb3 and to a lesser extent kb1 groups demonstrated an improving trend in pain severity and hand function following six months of keyboard use. However, there was no corresponding consistent improvement in clinical findings in the alternative geometry keyboard groups compared to the placebo group. Overall, there was a significant correlation between improvement of pain severity and greater satisfaction with the keyboards. These results provide evidence that keyboard users may experience a reduction in hand pain after several months of use of some alternative geometry keyboards.