Ergonomic Keyboards Research Articles

Keyboards types of selected electronic devices and the occurrence of pain in the shoulder girdle and upper limb - a review of literature

Introduction: Nowadays, computers, personal telephones (smartphones) and other electronic devices are widely used in many areas of everyday life, making them indispensable tools in the workplace, as well as other environments, e.g. at home. Studies from recent years have shown that the mere use of a computer keyboard for many hours carries the risk of pain in the hand, forearm, arm, shoulder girdle, neck and other parts of the motor organs. Aim: The aim of the literature review carried out in this work was to determine what potential threats are posed by standard keyboards and smartphone touch keypads, as well as the comparison of standard and ergonomic keyboards. Material and methods: The following databases were searched: PubMed, ResearchGate and Cochrane Library, in which 13 articles meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were found (6 regarding standard keyboards, 3 concerning ergonomic keyboards and 4 related to smartphone keypads). Results: The results of these studies indicate exposure to dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system associated with typing on keyboards, especially when writing fast, with high pressure, in unnatural positions of the wrists and forearms and during long-term writing. Ergonomic keyboards can be a good alternative to standard keyboards, especially for those who use one for more than four hours a day. This literature review indicates the need for more research, especially randomized clinical trials among a large population. Conclusions: 1. The use of keyboards of selected electronic devices with different ergonomic characteristics has an adverse effect on the functionality of the shoulder girdle and upper limb, mainly generating painful symptoms with different clinical characteristics. 2. The most important influence on the occurrence of functional disorders and pain complaints concerning the shoulder girdle and upper limb when using a keyboard with different ergonomic characteristics regards the strength of pressure on the keys, speed of typing as well as long-lasting and forced positioning of the wrists and forearms. Keyboards, ergonomics, pain

What is the best nonsurgical therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)?

Evidence-Based Answer Local corticosteroids injections, splinting, and therapeutic ultrasound all appear to be effective in the short-term treatment of CTS compared with placebo or no treatment. Ergonomic keyboards do not appear to be effective. Among effective treatments, none were clearly superior and no head-to-head trials were evaluated (SOR: B, systematic reviews).

Writing With(out) Pain: Computing Injuries and the Role of the Body in Writing Activity

• Embodiment encompasses five dimensions. • Ergonomic technologies alone have not and possibly cannot eradicate writing pain. • Somatic training should be recovered to focus on writing as an embodied activity. This article uses the lens of computer writing injuries to explore writing as an embodied activity. We use philosopher Mark Johnson's five-part definition of embodiment to develop an analysis that examines the physical, flesh-and-blood aspects of writing in addition to the social and cultural aspects of embodied activity. With this framework, we show the limits of purely technological solutions to writing injuries (like ergonomic keyboards) and explore the difficulties of including somatic training in the writing classroom. Rather than prescribing a single solution, we propose that these injuries require multifaceted infrastructural changes and point to the benefits of approaching writing with mindfulness. We conclude by suggesting ways that writing instructors and scholars can use this framework to rethink the role of the body in writing activity. The basis of all our forms of understanding is that given to us by our body's interactions with the world. Somatic understanding precedes all others, and persists while our symbolic forms of understanding develop, and it shapes those forms of understanding in profound and subtle ways. Understanding human cognition, then, requires our careful attentiveness to the body that is their foundation. We have attended to the body's role in our cultural lives and especially in education far too little . -- Kieran Egan (2004, p. ix)

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.

Effective interventions for cumulative trauma disorders of the upper extremity in computer users: Practice models based on systematic review

A systematic review of over 4600 abstracts was performed to address the effectiveness of the current cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) interventions focused on the upper extremities of computer users. The researchers were the study participants. They included one Professor of Occupational Therapy and five Masters of Occupational Therapy Students from a Midwestern University. The Professor of Occupational Therapy has been practicing for 29 years. The researchers employed stringent inclusion criteria for this review based on similar systematic review papers. Criteria for high quality qualitative research were incorporated to include studies other than randomized-controlled trials. This approach considered knowledge gained from specific interventions that were studied in greater detail with fewer clients. The results of this study identified 25 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Further review ranked the selected articles into high, medium, or low quality based on criteria adapted from other studies. The highest levels of evidence were found for education and training in ergonomics, forearm supports, ergonomic keyboards, ergonomic mice, and exercise/rest breaks. Two models of practice were created from this review to assist occupational therapists or other professionals with intervention strategies for computer users with CTDs.

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.

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.

Avoiding Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) by Using Ergonomically Improved Keyboards

Most conventional keyboards are designed keeping their technical efficiency in mind and not human comfort or ergonomic aspects. This leads to various physical problems by keyboard users and more seriousness to the prolonged users. The major physical problems caused by prolonged keyboard usage can be categorized as neck pain and stiffness, low back pain and stiffness, and strain of the wrists. These problems are caused by chairs, computer desks, and keyboard support stands that are unsuitable for the particular computer user. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a debilitating injury to the wrist joint which has been frequently attributed to long term repetitive hand motion activities. A further factor contributing to carpal tunnel syndrome and its symptoms is the strain on the operator's wrists due to using a keyboard that is too high or too low. This article illustrates 10 inventions on ergonomic aspects of a computer keyboard from US patent database. The ergonomic keyboards and keyboard holders are flexible, movable and adjustable to the position and peculiarities of the user. Hope the manufacturers will shift their focus from the technology to the user or customer in future days.

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.

The training effect on typing on two alternative keyboards

Abstract Problem: Although alternative keyboards promote safer postures, their implementation is impeded by the initial reduced productivity. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of training on typing efficiency on two ergonomic keyboards (Maltron and Goldtouch). Method: Thirty volunteers (20 trained and 10 untrained) typed a standardized text on each keyboard. Bilateral wrist motion, overall applied force, surface electromyography (EMG), and typing performance were continuously monitored. Results: The one-way ANOVA with repeated measures revealed that training decreased the applied force significantly for both Maltron ( p 0.031 ) and Goldtouch ( p 0.022 ). Training affected the typing speed ( p 0.027 and p 0.008 for Goldtouch and Maltron, respectively) and error rate ( p 0.039 and p 0.007 for Goldtouch and Maltron, respectively). However, training did not influence wrist motion and EMG muscle activity. Conclusions: Due to the fact that the increase in performance following the training period did not cause higher muscle activity, ergonomic keyboards may constitute a solution for reducing typing related musculoskeletal problems. Relevance to industry While ergonomic keyboards have been developed in order to reduce the computer work-related injuries, their introduction has been delayed due to economic reasons. Proving that after a relative short training session, the majority of typing parameters have improved would increase the acceptance of new devices in the workplace.

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.

Non-surgical treatment (other than steroid injection) for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Non-surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is frequently offered to those with mild to moderate symptoms. The effectiveness and duration of benefit from non-surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome remain unknown. To evaluate the effectiveness of non-surgical treatment (other than steroid injection) for carpal tunnel syndrome versus a placebo or other non-surgical, control interventions in improving clinical outcome. We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group specialised register (searched March 2002), MEDLINE (searched January 1966 to February 7 2001), EMBASE (searched January 1980 to March 2002), CINAHL (searched January 1983 to December 2001), AMED (searched 1984 to January 2002), Current Contents (January 1993 to March 2002), PEDro and reference lists of articles. Randomised or quasi-randomised studies in any language of participants with the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome who had not previously undergone surgical release. We considered all non-surgical treatments apart from local steroid injection. The primary outcome measure was improvement in clinical symptoms after at least three months following the end of treatment. Three reviewers independently selected the trials to be included. Two reviewers independently extracted data. Studies were rated for their overall quality. Relative risks and weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the primary and secondary outcomes in each trial. Results of clinically and statistically homogeneous trials were pooled to provide estimates of the efficacy of non-surgical treatments. Twenty-one trials involving 884 people were included. A hand brace significantly improved symptoms after four weeks (weighted mean difference (WMD) -1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.29 to -0.85) and function (WMD -0.55; 95% CI -0.82 to -0.28). In an analysis of pooled data from two trials (63 participants) ultrasound treatment for two weeks was not significantly beneficial. However one trial showed significant symptom improvement after seven weeks of ultrasound (WMD -0.99; 95% CI -1.77 to - 0.21) which was maintained at six months (WMD -1.86; 95% CI -2.67 to -1.05). Four trials involving 193 people examined various oral medications (steroids, diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) versus placebo. Compared to placebo, pooled data for two-week oral steroid treatment demonstrated a significant improvement in symptoms (WMD -7.23; 95% CI -10.31 to -4.14). One trial also showed improvement after four weeks (WMD -10.8; 95% CI -15.26 to -6.34). Compared to placebo, diuretics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs did not demonstrate significant benefit. In two trials involving 50 people, vitamin B6 did not significantly improve overall symptoms. In one trial involving 51 people yoga significantly reduced pain after eight weeks (WMD -1.40; 95% CI -2.73 to -0.07) compared with wrist splinting. In one trial involving 21 people carpal bone mobilisation significantly improved symptoms after three weeks (WMD -1.43; 95% CI -2.19 to -0.67) compared to no treatment. In one trial involving 50 people with diabetes, steroid and insulin injections significantly improved symptoms over eight weeks compared with steroid and placebo injections. Two trials involving 105 people compared ergonomic keyboards versus control and demonstrated equivocal results for pain and function. Trials of magnet therapy, laser acupuncture, exercise or chiropractic care did not demonstrate symptom benefit when compared to placebo or control. Current evidence shows significant short-term benefit from oral steroids, splinting, ultrasound, yoga and carpal bone mobilisation. Other non-surgical treatments do not produce significant benefit. More trials are needed to compare treatments and ascertain the duration of benefit.

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.

Do ergonomic keyboards work?

Do ergonomic keyboards work?

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.

Microsoft futures

In the ‘old days’, throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, the adage in the IT industry used to be ‘Nobody ever gets fired for buying IBM’. IBM would sell complete solutions, hardware and software (operating systems and applications) to meet all needs. These days it is more likely to be ‘Nobody ever gets fired for buying Microsoft’. Microsoft do not sell complete solutions. The only hardware they currently sell are ergonomic keyboards, mice and game accessories. Their dominance comes solely from their software.

A Review of Ergonomic Keyboards

A Review of Ergonomic Keyboards