Ergonomic Keyboard Research Articles

Development of an Ergonomically-Programmed Keyboard Layout for English, Tagalog, and Taglish Languages using Python Software

The use of computers, especially for school-works or office-related activities, has been vital in recent years. Nowadays, in the Philippines, English and Tagalog languages are alternately used for formal writing, while Taglish is often used for informal writing. Either means of type-written communication is highly dependent on the use of computer keyboards. The most used keyboard layout today is the QWERTY layout, which based on previous studies, was not designed ergonomically. Hence, this study aims to develop ergonomic keyboard layouts that are more fit than the QWERTY layout, in terms of utilizing finger strength and encouraging finger and hand alternation, for typing in English, Tagalog, and Taglish. The keyboard layouts were developed with the use of Python programming language. The layouts were developed considering factors such as finger strength, finger alternation, and hand alternation and were evaluated using the Text Analysis (TA) points computed based on the previously-mentioned factors and the distance travelled by each finger. Of the 12 proposed layouts, layouts 2 and 4 ease hand movement when typing English, Tagalog, and Taglish words as compared to the QWERTY keyboard layout.

Public Interest in Distal Upper Extremity Pain and Workstation Ergonomics in the Context of COVID-19

To describe trends in public interest in distal upper extremity (UE) pain and workstation ergonomics in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive ecological. Not applicable. Not applicable. Not applicable. Aggregated, anonymous Google Trends data of relative search frequency in the United States between 09/01/2019 and 08/31/2020 for each of these terms: (1) coronavirus OR COVID-19; (2) hand pain OR wrist pain OR finger pain; (3) ergonomic desk OR ergonomic chair OR ergonomic mouse OR ergonomic keyboard. Relative search frequency of coronavirus peaked (100%) the week of 03/15/2020, with a corresponding dip for distal UE pain as per its lowest relative search frequency (57%). Interest in distal UE pain returned to near-pre-pandemic levels as per a 2-point decrease in mean relative frequency before the week of 03/15/2020 versus after (compared to a 16-point decrease for a control search term of cancer). Interest in ergonomics increased in mid-March, corresponding with interest in coronavirus (from a relative frequency of 43% the week of 03/08/2020 to 55% on 03/15/2020 and 75% on 03/22/2020; with a previous high of 44% on 01/12/2020). Interest in ergonomics remained elevated, with a mean relative frequency of 84% after the week of 03/15/2020 and peak relative frequency (100%) on 08/16/2020. In the context of COVID-19, relatively stable public interest in distal UE pain combined with increased interest in ergonomics may suggest motivations to minimize or prevent pain associated with telecommuting-related makeshift workstations. Continued elevated interest in ergonomics highlights a potential public health need relative to ongoing pandemic-related workplace restrictions. Rehabilitation professionals should consider optimizing individual- and population-level musculoskeletal health in this regard.

Estimation of digraph costs for keyboard layout optimization

The main aim of this study was to estimate the digraph costs (interkey-stroke times) based on the digraph (two consecutive keys) tapping rates for the optimization of keyboard layouts considering the touch typing principles. The study also investigated the effects of column, row, hand and period on digraph-tapping rate. For the purpose, a laboratory experiment was performed with seven subjects using a conventional keyboard. Digraph-tapping rates of a total of 241 same hand digraphs were recorded for a duration of 2-min. The interkey-stroke times were calculated as the digraph costs for the same hand digraphs using the estimated mean digraph-tapping rates. The different hand digraph costs were calculated based on the same hand digraph costs and the results of a previous study. The results indicated significant column, row, hand and period effect on the digraph-tapping rate. Using the digraph costs and the digraph frequencies of the considered language in a quadratic assignment problem, an optimal touch typing keyboard layout can be developed to satisfy all but one of Dvorak's touch typing criteria. As an application, an optimal keyboard layout, called Turkish I-layout, is developed for Turkish language. The comparison results between I and existing Turkish F and Q layouts showed that the I-layout is superior both according to the results of the optimization and Dvorak's criteria. Relevance to industryOptimal and ergonomic keyboard layouts improve typing performance and reduce the likelihood of upper extremity disorders. The digraph-tapping rates estimated through this study are essential for the development of such layouts.

Ergonomic positioning or equipment for treating carpal tunnel syndrome

Non-surgical treatment, including ergonomic positioning or equipment, are sometimes offered to people experiencing mild to moderate symptoms from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The effectiveness and duration of benefit from ergonomic positioning or equipment interventions for treating CTS are unknown. To assess the effects of ergonomic positioning or equipment compared with no treatment, a placebo or another non-surgical intervention in people with CTS. We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register (14 June 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2011, Issue 2, in The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (1966 to June 2011), EMBASE (1980 to June 2011), CINAHL Plus (1937 to June 2011), and AMED (1985 to June 2011). We also reviewed the reference lists of randomised or quasi-randomised trials identified from the electronic search. Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing ergonomic positioning or equipment with no treatment, placebo or another non-surgical intervention in people with CTS. Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. We calculated risk ratios (RR) and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the primary and secondary outcomes. We pooled results of clinically and statistically homogeneous trials, where possible, to provide estimates of the effect of ergonomic positioning or equipment. We included two trials (105 participants) comparing ergonomic versus placebo keyboards. Neither trial assessed the primary outcome (short-term overall improvement) or adverse effects of interventions. In one small trial (25 participants) an ergonomic keyboard significantly reduced pain after 12 weeks (MD -2.40; 95% CI -4.45 to -0.35) but not six weeks (MD -0.20; 95% CI -1.51 to 1.11). In this same study, there was no difference between ergonomic and standard keyboards in hand function at six or 12 weeks or palm-wrist sensory latency at 12 weeks. The second trial (80 participants) reported no significant difference in pain severity after six months when using either of the three ergonomic keyboards versus a standard keyboard. No trials comparing (i) ergonomic positioning or equipment with no treatment, (ii) ergonomic positioning or equipment with another non-surgical treatment, or (iii) different ergonomic positioning or equipment regimes, were found. There is insufficient evidence from randomised controlled trials to determine whether ergonomic positioning or equipment is beneficial or harmful for treating carpal tunnel syndrome.

Effectiveness of an ergonomic keyboard for typists with work related upper extremity disorders: A follow-up study

To investigate whether long-term use of an ergonomic keyboard was effective in reducing symptom severity and improving functional status for individuals who experience symptoms of work related upper extremity disorders (WRUED). Twenty-nine symptomatic workers employed by a single company. Participants were assessed after using an ergonomic keyboard for an average of 34 months. Symptom severity, clinical signs, functional status, and typing speed were measured and compared with baseline and six-month study data. Repeated-measure analysis identified that participants maintained the improvement realized at the six-month study mark for symptom severity and functional status, and maintained their typing speed and accuracy. The results of the study suggest that continuous ergonomic keyboard use was effective in maintaining improvements obtained after six months of use. The potential for ergonomic keyboard use in preventing injury in keyboard operators warrants further investigation.

User-centered design and evaluation of a next generation fixed-split ergonomic keyboard

Research has shown that fixed-split, ergonomic keyboards lessen the pain and functional status in symptomatic individuals as well as reduce the likelihood of developing musculoskeletal disorders in asymptomatic typists over extended use. The goal of this study was to evaluate design features to determine whether the current fixed-split ergonomic keyboard design could be improved. Thirty-nine, adult-aged, fixed-split ergonomic keyboard users were recruited to participate in one of three studies. First utilizing non-functional models and later a functional prototype, three studies evaluated keyboard design features including: 1) keyboard lateral inclination, 2) wrist rest height, 3) keyboard slope, and 4) curved "gull-wing" key layouts. The findings indicated that keyboard lateral inclination could be increased from 8° to 14°; wrist rest height could be increased up to 10 mm from current setting; positive, flat, and negative slope settings were equally preferred and facilitated greater postural variation; and participants preferred a new gull-wing key layout. The design changes reduced forearm pronation and wrist extension while not adversely affecting typing performance. This research demonstrated how iterative-evaluative, user-centered research methods can be utilized to improve a product's design such as a fixed-split ergonomic keyboard.

Evaluation of the Logitech Wave Keyboard

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were any postural, performance and perceived comfort differences between a conventional, straight keyboard and a new ergonomic keyboard design developed by Logitech called the Wave. Twenty experienced touch typists from various occupations randomly used each keyboard for a period of 30 minutes. Wrist and forearm postures; typing speed and accuracy; comfort and keyboard preferences were evaluated before and after using each keyboard. Compared to the conventional, straight keyboard, the Wave Keyboard reduced wrist extension by 4.6 ± 1.5° (p < 0.01), ulnar deviation by 1.8 ± 0.7° (p = 0.02) and forearm pronation by 1.3 ± 0.7° (p = 0.08). There were small differences in typing speed (47.2 vs 45.6 WPM; p = 0.02) and no differences in accuracy (94.1% vs. 94.0%, p = 0.78) between the Wave and conventional, straight keyboard, respectively. Subjective comfort ratings were higher in the hand (p = 0. 02) and forearm (p = 0.03), and 85% of the subjects preferred the Wave Keyboard after 30 minutes of use. The results indicate that the Wave Keyboard achieved its design goal of reducing wrist extension, ulnar deviation and forearm pronation while improving comfort and not compromising typing speed and accuracy.

Digit kinematics during typing with standard and ergonomic keyboard configurations

This study compared the differences between digit joint angles, velocities and accelerations during two typing tasks: one on a standard keyboard configuration and one on an ergonomic keyboard configuration. A marker-based motion analysis system was used to capture digit movements during typing and digit joint angles, angular velocities, and angular accelerations were calculated. Results showed significant differences between the ergonomic and standard keyboard configurations for digit angles, angular velocity, and angular acceleration, particularly for the left metacarpophalangeal joints. Most notably, the ergonomic configuration tended to reduce the angular velocity and acceleration for metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal flexion/extension and increase these variables for metacarpophalangeal abduction/adduction. The participants showed no significant differences in typing speed and error rate between the two keyboards. This research supports other research, which suggests that an ergonomic configuration can alter keyboard kinematics, but suggests that researchers should evaluate not only the wrist kinematics, but the digit kinematics as well. Relevance to Industry This research provides information of interest to people who are considering acquiring an alternative keyboard in the workplace.

The Effect of Alternate Style Keyboards on Severity of Symptoms and Functional Status of Individuals with Work Related Upper Extremity Disorders

There is evidence that performing job tasks involving repetition, vibration, sustained posture or forceful movement may contribute to symptoms of work related upper extremity disorders. Typing is one such activity; symptoms that develop as a result of this activity can affect performance of work, self-care and leisure occupations. Studies investigating the impact of ergonomic keyboards on symptom reduction are limited, and little research exists regarding the reduction of key activation force as an intervention. This randomized, prospective study used a sample of 68 symptomatic workers employed by a single company. One group received a commercially available ergonomic keyboard, a second group used a modified version of the same keyboard designed to reduce activation force, vibration and key travel. We measured symptoms and clinical signs, functional status, and device satisfaction in both groups over a six-month study period. Between-groups analyses indicated that the groups performed similarly on the outcomes of interest. Repeated-measure analysis identified a reduction of symptoms, an improvement in functional status, preference for and increased satisfaction with the intervention keyboards, and maintenance of typing speed and accuracy for both groups.

Organizational Obstacles and Product Design Innovation for a New Fixed-Split Ergonomic Keyboard

Fixed-split, ergonomic keyboards have been shown to reduce awkward wrist postures while maintain typing performance and improve the functional and medical status of those persons with hand pain as well as reduce the likelihood of developing signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome compared to typists using traditional, straight keyboards. Yet, the design can be improved. This paper describes the basic research, inspiration, and participatory design approach as well as the organizational obstacles in creating the new Microsoft® Natural® Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. The ergonomist had to overcome staid thinking in questioning the fundamental assumptions about the ergonomics of keyboard design and to overcome the product design paradigm of only fixing problems from stated and unstated user needs compared with realizing innovative designs that the average user cannot articulate or consider. An iterative design process resulted in a new ergonomic keyboard with a steeper gable angle, a curved key bed, a taller palm rest, and a palm rest lifter for a truly negative slope.

An Ergonomic Computer Keyboard for Conventional, Straight Keyboard Users: Ergonomic Research in Generative Product Design

Straight, conventional keyboards are still the most popular design among those shipped with new personal computer sales and standalone keyboard retail sales. Many keyboard users are reluctant to switch to a more ergonomic keyboard – designs that reduce awkward wrist postures. Ergonomic research led to a design of a new keyboard providing more ergonomic benefit to the masses of conventional, straight keyboard users while being equally or even more preferred. The result was a keyboard: Microsoft Comfort Curve ® Keyboard, designed with a subtle split angle of 12° (instead of 24° of traditional ergonomic keyboards), extending the keys' sizes within this split. The design goals were to reduce ulnar deviation and to maintain approachability and typing performance.

Evaluation of Microsoft's Comfort Curve Keyboard

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were any postural, performance or perceived comfort differences between a conventional straight keyboard and a new ergonomic concept keyboard developed by Microsoft called the Comfort Curve. The concept keyboard was designed to promote more neutral postures in the wrist using a built-in, padded wrist rest to reduce wrist extension and curved keys in alphanumeric section of the keyboard to reduce ulnar deviation. Using a repeated measures design, 26 typists from various occupations randomly used each keyboard for a period of 15 minutes. Wrist postures were measured using electrogoniometers, typing speed and accuracy was measured using typing performance software and discomfort was subjectively measured in the hands, forearms and shoulders and neck. Compared to the conventional straight keyboard, the Comfort Curve keyboard reduced ulnar deviation by 2.2 ° (p < 0.01) and wrist extension by 6.5 ° (p <0.01). There was a small differences in typing speed (50.6 vs 51.8 WPM; p = 0.03) but no differences in accuracy (93.1% vs. 93.5%, p = 0.29) between the Comfort Curve and standard keyboards respectively. Subjective discomfort ratings in all measured body locations were lower with the Comfort Curve keyboard. The results indicate that the concept keyboard achieved its design goal of reducing wrist extension, ulnar deviation and discomfort while not compromising typing speed and accuracy.

Muscle strain of the hand-arm-shoulder system during typing at conventional and ergonomic keyboards

Manufacturers of ergonomic split keyboards promise maximum effectiveness and comfort as well as a reduction of physical complaints. In order to determine the positive effects claimed, a study was carried out during which 10 male subjects (Ss) participated in standardized working tests. They entered text into a PC, alternatingly using a conventional keyboard and an ergonomic keyboard. Electromyographic activity (EA) of 8 muscle groups was simultaneously recorded during altogether 6 working phases with a duration of 10 min, each. Measurements of the maximum activity, EAmax, via maximum voluntary contractions of the 8 muscles – which were necessary for calculating standardized electromyographic activity (sEA) used to represent muscle strain as a percentage – were always taken at the end of the experiment. Muscle strain varied from muscle to muscle but the level of the sEA-values for the different muscles was reproducible and stable. Also, activation of most muscles acting on the shoulder, upper arm, forearm, and the hand showed differences which, though small in amount, could be statistically secured and associated with the keyboard type. The ergonomic design of the tested keyboard led to objectively verifiable and plausible reductions of muscle strain.

Estimated and experienced subjective assessment of the ergonomic quality of a keyboard

At an ergonomically optimized VDU-workstation, a group of 10 test subjects (Ss) carried out a typing task both at the test keyboard and a reference computer keyboard. The participants' personal subjective assessments concerning the working conditions with the two keyboards and the layout of the ergonomic model were recorded via specially designed questionnaires. These were given prior to, and after, the working tests and, therefore, reflected ratings without and with working experience. The posture of the hand, the lower and the upper arm, and the shoulder during text input were evaluated quite differently as a consequence of using the two keyboards. The working posture associated with the conventional keyboard was never assessed positively. The ratings always reached positive values when operating the ergonomic model. The handling of the keyboard and the overall impression were also in favor of the test keyboard as a result of the working tests. Comfort and effort while typing at the keyboards also differed substantially and were in favor of the test keyboard. The same was true for altogether 10 items of the questionnaire, aiming at evaluation of details of the ergonomic keyboard and its overall appearance.

Longitudinal Study of the Effects of an Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard on Upper Body Musculoskeletal Symptoms

A longitudinal study assessed the differential impact of standard and adjustable ergonomic keyboards on musculoskeletal symptoms among 71 computer users over a six month period. A total of 73 subjects participated: 34 subjects used a standard, flat keyboard and 37 used an adjustable, ergonomic keyboard. Subjects completed weekly surveys of perceived keyboard comfort, and body discomfort, along with other items. The ergonomic keyboard was rated favorably and for users there were significantly improvements neck, shoulder and arm comfort.

Electromyographic Evaluation of Muscle Strain of the Hand-Arm-Shoulder System during Alternating Typing at a Conventional and an Ergonomic Keyboard

Manufacturers of ergonomic split keyboards promise maximum effectiveness and comfort as well as a reduction of physical complaints. In order to determine the claimed positive effects, 10 male subjects (Ss) participated in standardized working tests during which they entered text into a PC, alternatingly using a conventional keyboard and the test keyboard. Electromyographic activity (EA) of 8 muscle groups was simultaneously recorded during altogether 6 working phases with a duration of 10 min, each. Measurements of the maximum activity EAmax via maximum voluntary contractions of the 8 muscles — which were necessary for calculating standardized electromyographic activity (sEA) used to represent muscle strain as a percentage — were always taken at the end of the experiment. Muscle strain varied from muscle to muscle but the level of the sEA-values for the different muscles was reproducible and stable. Also, activation of most muscles acting on the shoulder, upper arm, forearm, and the hand showed differences which, though small in amount, could be statistically secured and associated with the keyboard type. The ergonomic design of the tested keyboard led to objectively verifiable and plausible reductions of muscle strain.

Subjective Assessment of the Ergonomic Quality of a Keyboard for Vdu-Workplaces

At an ergonomically optimized VDU-workstation, a group of 10 test subjects (Ss) carried out a test task, i.e., typing both at the test keyboard and a reference keyboard. The participants' personal subjective assessments concerning the working conditions with the two keyboards and the layout of the ergonomic model were recorded via specially designed questionnaires. They were given prior to and after the working tests and, therefore, reflected ratings without and with working experience. The posture of the hand, the lower and the upper arm, and the shoulder during text input were evaluated quite differently as a consequence of using the two keyboards. The working posture associated with the conventional keyboard was never assessed positively. The ratings always reached positive values when operating the ergonomic model. The handling of the keyboard and the overall impression were also in favor of the test model with increasing and decreasing values, respectively, for the two keyboards as a result of the working tests. Comfort and effort while typing at the keyboards also differed very clearly and were in favor of the test keyboard. Similar was true for altogether 10 items of the questionnaire aimed at evaluating details of the ergonomic keyboard and its overall appearance.

Wrist postures in video display terminal operators (VDT) using different keyboards

This study examined the differences in wrist motion using three types of keyboards: a standard QWERTY design and two alternative designs, the Truform Ergonomic keyboard and the Health Care Comfort keyboard. The Comfort keyboard (adjusted at a lateral slope of 30° and horizontal split of 20° and the Truform keyboard (with a 20° horizontal split) were compared with the standard flat QWERTY keyboard. Twenty adult video display terminal (VDT) workers from the Boston area ranging from 22 to 68 years of age volunteered to participate in this study. In randomly assigned sequences, participants typed for 5 min on each keyboard while their wrist motions were measured using the WristSystem by Greenleaf Medical Systems, Inc. Contrast score analysis was used to analyze mean values in flexion-extension and radial-ulnar deviation of the right and left hands between the three sessions. The alternative keyboards significantly reduced ulnar deviation (left: t(19) = 3.46, P < 0.0025; right: t(19) = 5.83, P < 0.00001), and extension (left: t(19) = 2.82, P < 0.001; right: t(19) = 3.99, P < 0.0005). Results suggest that the Comfort keyboard yielded less ulnar deviation and extension as compared to the standard QWERTY keyboard (Left Extension: QWERTY mean = 21.45, Comfort mean = 18.67; Right Extension: QWERTY mean = 22.9, Comfort mean = 14.45; Left Ulnar Deviation: QWERTY mean = 14.54, Comfort mean = 7.44; Right Ulnar Deviation: QWERTY mean = 17.1, Comfort mean = 6.12). Although the Truform keyboard reduced ulnar deviation (Left: QWERTY mean = 14.54, Truform mean = 9.42; Right: QWERTY mean = 17.1, Truform mean = 9.67), it also yielded extension values comparable to those using the QWERTY (Left Extension: QWERTY mean = 21.45, Truform mean = 24.66; Right Extension: QWERTY mean = 22.9; Truform mean = 22.4). Both alternative designs yielded slightly higher values for radial deviation (left: t(19)=-2.4, P > 0.25; right: t(19)=-3.75, P > 0.25) and flexion (left: t(19)=-1.39, P > 0.25; right: t(19)=-3.75, P > 0.25). Still, these increases remained well within the 'neutral' zone (< 15-20°). The results suggest that among the three keyboard designs, the Comfort keyboard was the most effective in maintaining a neutral wrist posture. Although the Truform significantly reduced ulnar devation, it also yielded extension values beyond the neutral range (> 15°). Clinically, these findings may assist occupational therapists in suggesting appropriate keyboard designs during workstation ergonomic modification or consultation. Further research is needed to reinforce these findings.

EYES - Ergonomics in a Conceptual Design Process for Consumer Electronic Products

The purpose of the study was to develop an expert system for the conceptual design of high-touch consumer electronic products. ‘High-touch’ refers to a high level of ergonomic design in a product as opposed to merely ‘high-tech’ gadgetry in the product. Two major tasks were undertaken as part of this development: 1) the development of a conceptual design process for potential consumer electronic products using an expert systems concept and 2) the specific evaluation of ten Daewoo prototypes (TV, VCR, audio system, microwave, vacuum cleaner, ergonomic keyboard, universal remote controller, intelligent telephone, and micro computer for preschool children) based on the above system. The expert system being developed incorporates the production model of conceptual design theory and the ergonomic principles used in the electronic products design. More specifically, the system, named EYES (Electronic Yuppie Expert System), uses EXSYS Professional as the expert system shell and are designed to process the information on the relationship between human functions and the product design requirements to find the conceptual design of potential new product. To elicit the general response to these potential products, a consumer survey was conducted. The result of the survey suggested that practical factors such as product functions, controls and ease of use etc. are more important than so called “image factor” such as brand name &amp; size.

Ergonomic keyboard design

Abstract The design of keyboards is still characterized by that of mechanical typewriters. This paper presents a summary of a research project dealing with the ergonomic improvement of keyboards, carried out at the IAO in Stuttgart during the past five years. Extensive laboratory evaluation of experimental keyboards, where different design parameters were tested under real life conditions, have produced a relative optimum regarding ergonomic keyboard design. An accompanying investigation of user acceptance evaluated all realized parameters. In co-operation with a keyboard manufacturer, the results were used to design a marketable product, which may be seen as an important contribution to ergonomic keyboard design.