Keyboard Position Research Articles

INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS: EXAMINING ERGONOMIC PRACTICES AND COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME (CVS)

Computers have become a major component in daily life, especially in the context of higher education in this digital age. University lecturers increasingly rely on computers to perform various daily tasks, which is a trend that has intensified particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The growing dependence on computers raises concerns about the negative health implications that may arise from long-term use. One of the main effects is Computer Vision Syndrome (CSV). CSV is a result of continuous computer use and can have a negative impact on eye health. One strategy to address this issue is to implement ergonomic principles when using computers. This study aims to investigate ergonomic practices among university lecturers, as well as the prevalence of CSV among them. In addition, this study aims to determine the relationship between CVS and ergonomics. This study involves data collection through questionnaires which the respondents are university lecturers in Malaysia. A total of 245 randomly selected respondents answered the questionnaire distributed through an online platform. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive and Chi Square analysis, exploring ergonomic practices such as eye distance from the screen, viewing angle, keyboard position, light intensity, position of neck, head, wrist, thigh position and stretching practices. According to the study's findings, over 56% of lecturers incorporate ergonomic principles when using computers; nevertheless, only 38.4% of respondents adhere to the recommendation for keyboard viewing distance. Next, the CVS symptoms are categorized into three, namely eyes, vision and head, neck, and shoulders. A comparison between these three categories of symptoms showed that the head, neck, and shoulders symptoms were the most significant with 42.1% of the respondents showing moderate and severe symptoms. It is followed by vision and finally symptoms to the eyes, with the percentage of 22.9% and 19.6%, respectively. In addition, it was found that one vision symptom is associated to monitor distance (p 0.05). The findings from this research contributed valuable insights into understanding the occupational risks associated with prolonged computer use in academic settings. By raising awareness and potentially implementing preventative measures, this study helps to promote better well-being among university lecturers.

LiKey: Location-independent keystroke recognition on numeric keypads using WiFi signal

As an application of wireless sensing, keystroke recognition can be used in a variety of scenarios, such as password protection and analog input for devices. Existing WiFi-based keystroke recognition systems have strong dependencies on environment and location. Once the environment or keyboard position changes, systems need to re-collect data and re-train the model, otherwise the performance will degrade significantly.In this paper, we propose LiKey, a location-independent keystroke recognition system for numeric keypads, consisting of one transmitter and two receivers. We specially place the transceiver devices, which makes it easy to analyze the variation of the reflection path length for keystrokes at different locations. The same keystroke at different positions has the same change rule of reflection path length, corresponding to the same change rule of rotational direction in the channel state information (CSI) complex plane. We design a method named SRDF to sum the rotational direction features in the CSI complex plane and obtain the location independent features. Since different keystrokes behave differently on the two receivers, a dual-receiver phase–amplitude joint optimization segmentation algorithm is designed to extract the complete keystroke segments. Finally, the dual-branch CNN model is used for training and classification based on the features of the two receivers. The experimental results show that LiKey has strong robustness to the keystroke position. It recognizes well even for keystrokes on positions not involved in the training.

The Big Three and board gender diversity: The effectiveness of shareholder voice

In 2017, “The Big Three” institutional investors launched campaigns to increase gender diversity on corporate boards. We estimate that their campaigns led American corporations to add at least 2.5 times as many female directors in 2019 as they had in 2016. Firms increased diversity by identifying candidates beyond managers’ existing networks and by placing less emphasis on candidates’ executive experience. Firms also promoted more female directors to key board positions, indicating firms’ responses went beyond tokenism. Our results highlight index investors’ ability to effectuate broad-based governance changes and the impact of investor buy-in in increasing corporate-leadership diversity.

Investigating the Effect of Keyboard Distance on the Posture and 3D Moments of Wrist and Elbow Joints among Males Using OpenSim.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the upper extremities and computer use are common in modern societies, and both show a growing trend. This study was conducted to determine the posture and 3D moments of wrist and elbow joints at different keyboard distances on a desk. Twelve healthy right-handed male volunteers attended the motion analysis laboratory. A keyboard was placed at three different distances from the participants' bodies while performing a standard computer task. The workstation was adjusted according to ANSI/HFES-100-2007 standard for each participant to maintain a comfortable ergonomic posture for controlling confounding variables. Qualisys motion capture system, OpenSim (Ver. 4.1), and visual analog scale were used to collect and analyze the data. The highest levels of wrist flexion and radial deviation as well as elbow flexion and pronation were observed when the keyboard was at the edge of the desk. When the keyboard was 8 cm away from the edge of the desk, the right wrist flexion and radial deviation decreased 83% and 89%, respectively. In the left wrist, flexion and radial deviation decreased 94%. With increasing the distance of the keyboard from the edge of the desk, the right elbow flexion, pronation, and left elbow flexion decreased, 95%, 76%, and 85%, respectively. No significant difference was found for the left elbow pronation, wrist, and elbow joint moments, in the studied keyboard distances. However, a cut-off point has to be specified because large keyboard distances cause high extension and flexion of the limbs. The keyboard position relative to the body is an important parameter in computer work and has a significant impact on the posture of the upper extremities. A keyboard should be located at a distance that allows the upper extremities to remain in a neutral position so that the risk of MSDs is reduced.

Investigating the Effects of Virtual Keyboard Position and Angle on Text Entry Performance and Subjective Evaluation

Investigating the Effects of Virtual Keyboard Position and Angle on Text Entry Performance and Subjective Evaluation

Association between comprehensive workstation and neck and upper-limb pain among office worker.

ObjectivesOur study aimed to investigate the association between comprehensive workstations and neck and upper‐limb pain (NUP) among office workers.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 307 office workers (median age, 39 years; 88% men). Workstations (presence of armrest, armrest position, number of monitors used, mouse position, mouse usage, keyboard usage, and keyboard position) were investigated in terms of 17 items and judged as “adequate” or “inadequate.” NUP was assessed using a numerical rating scale. NUP locations included the neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist. In the statistical analysis, outcome variables were the presence of pain in each part, while explanatory variables were the number of inadequate workstations. Logistic regression analyses were conducted with adjustment for age, gender, working duration, and exercise habit.ResultsThe prevalence of neck pain was 47% (n = 143), shoulder pain was 50% (n = 153), elbow pain was 7.2% (n = 22), and wrist pain was 13% (n = 40). In the adjusted model, the number of inadequate workstations had significant positive associations with elbow pain (odds ratio [OR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06.1.81) and wrist pain (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.17.2.26). However, the number of inadequate workstations was not significantly associated with neck pain or shoulder pain.ConclusionsWorkstation‐related factors (presence of armrest, armrest position, mouse usage, and keyboard usage) were significantly associated with elbow and wrist pain. Our findings suggest that workstations can contribute to elbow and wrist pain in office workers.

The Big Three and Board Gender Diversity: The Effectiveness of Shareholder Voice

In 2017, “The Big Three” institutional investors launched campaigns to increase gender diversity on corporate boards. We estimate that their campaigns led firms to add at least 2.5 times as many female directors in 2019 as they had in 2016, accounting for most of the increase in board gender diversity over that period. Firms increased diversity by looking beyond managers’ existing networks to identify candidates and by placing less emphasis on candidates’ executive experience. Firms also promoted more female directors to key board positions, indicating firms’ responses went beyond mere tokenism. Our results highlight index investors’ ability to effectuate broad-based governance changes and shareholder advocacy’s potential to expand women’s participation in corporate leadership more extensively than government mandates.

How Optimal is The Visual Display Terminal (VDT) Work Station at The Public Health Faculty, Universitas Airlangga

Introduction: The academic and student affairs department in the administration room of the Faculty of Public Health of Universitas Airlangga works using a Visual Display Terminal (VDT) with a sitting work position that has the potential to cause eye strain and several muscular disorders. This study aimed to describe the work station of VDT users in the administration room of the Public Health Faculty, Universitas Airlangga. Method: This research was an observational research using cross-sectional descriptive design. The population was the users of the VDT in the administration room of the Public Health Faculty, Universitas Airlangga, as many as 11 people. The sample used was total population. Data were collected using an observation sheet and then was analyzed descriptively. Result: The head position of all workers were optimal (100.0%); the majority of workers' visibility was optimal (54.5%); all table heights were optimal (100.0%); most of the elbow angel and keyboard position was not optimal (63.6%); the majority of mouse positions were optimal (54.5%); chair heights were not optimal (100.0%); most of the backrest and waist angle was optimal (72.7%); most of the workers' knee angles were not optimal (81.8%); most of the legroom were optimal (81.8%); all workstations did not have footing and document holders (100.0%), so they were considered not optimal. Conclusion: Most of the elements is considered as optimal, but some elements are not optimal, including elbow angle, the keyboard position, chair height, knee angle, footing, and document holder.Keywords: work station, sitting work position, visual display terminal

Physical risk factors for developing non-specific neck pain in office workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Identifying risk factors associated with the development of work-related neck pain in office workers is necessary to facilitate the development of prevention strategies that aim to minimise this prevalent and costly health problem. The aim of this systematic review is to identify individual worker (e.g., lifestyle activity, muscular strength, and posture) and workplace (e.g., ergonomics and work environment) physical factors associated with the development of non-specific neck pain in office workers. Studies from 1980 to 2016 were identified by an electronic search of Pubmed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Psychlnfo and Proquest databases. Two authors independently screened search results, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the epidemiological appraisal instrument (EAI). A random effect model was used to estimate the risk of physical factors for neck pain. Twenty papers described the findings of ten prospective cohort studies and two randomized controlled trials. Low satisfaction with the workplace environment (pooled RR 1.28; CI 1.07-1.55), keyboard position close to the body [pooled RR 1.46; (CI 1.07-1.99)], low work task variation [RR 1.27; CI (1.08-1.50)] and self-perceived medium/high muscular tension (pooled RR 2.75/1.82; CI 1.60 /1.14-4.72/2.90) were found to be risk factors for the development of neck pain. This review found evidence for a few number of physical risk factors for the development of neck pain, however, there was also either limited or conflicting factors. Recommendations for future studies evaluating risk factors are reported and how these may contribute to the prevention of neck pain in office workers.

Gaining the upper hand: Comparison of alphabetic and keyboard positions as spatial features of letters producing distinct S–R compatibility effects

The present study explored which stimulus feature, alphabetic or keyboard position, primarily influences letter processing in different task settings. In Experiment 1 (alphabetic position judgment) a response side effect (faster responses when the location of letters within the alphabet or on the keyboard maps onto the response hand) could be observed for alphabetic position as task-relevant stimulus feature. In Experiments 2 and 3 participants responded to a non-spatial stimulus feature (uppercase–lowercase classification) so that both attributes can be characterized as task-irrelevant. The pattern indicated that a keyboard position–hand correspondence effect emerged independent of the time window (after stimulus onset) in which the response was given. However, an alphabetic position–hand correspondence effect only emerged when participants were forced to delay their responses by 450ms. The overall pattern indicated that although both features were processed and translated into a spatial code reflecting their position within the alphabet vs. on the keyboard, the relevance of these features to the task as well as the time that elapsed since stimulus onset determined which attribute of the letters was effective in yielding a stimulus–response compatibility effect.

Prevalence of and factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in the spine attributed to computer use in undergraduate students

This study aimed to investigate the 3-month prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms at the spine attributed to computer use and to identify biopsychosocial factors associated with the prevalence in undergraduate students. Undergraduate students who studied at a public university in Thailand. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a self-administered questionnaire delivered to 3,545 students. A total of 2,511 students (73.7%) returned the questionnaires. Cervical symptoms (22.3%) were the most frequently reported, followed by thoracic (11%) and lumbar symptoms (10.7%). Females, daily computer use greater than three hours and too-high keyboard's position were significantly associated with a high prevalence of cervical symptoms. A significant association was found between higher undergraduate year of the study and too-high keyboard's position and a high prevalence of thoracic symptoms. Higher undergraduate year of the study and daily computer use greater than three hours were significantly related to a high prevalence of lumbar symptoms. Better-than-normal mental health status was associated with a low prevalence of lumbar symptoms. Spinal symptoms are common among undergraduate students. Various factors were identified to be associated with high prevalence of spinal symptoms. Further research investigating the causal relation between these factors and musculoskeletal symptoms should be conducted.

User-Preferred Position of Computer Displays: Effects of Display Size

Effects of display size and dual display setting on preferred display and keyboard positions were evaluated. User-preferred display position may vary as its size changes or when multiple displays are used. It is also not known whether the use of larger displays or multiple displays would influence positioning of the keyboard. Participants (N=19) who had normal visual acuity (20/30 or better) determined preferred positions of the display and the keyboard during a data entry task in four display setups (19, 24, 27.5, and dual 19 in.). The size of capital characters (3.2 mm high) was kept consistent between setups. Preferred viewing distance ranged from 0.68 m (19-in. display) to 0.76 m (27.5-in. display). No significant differences in viewing distance and display height were found between the single 19-in. display and dual 19-in. displays setups. The preferred position of the keyboard was consistent between display setups. Participants placed larger displays farther and lower while maintaining the display top at or near eye height. Preferred position of the dual displays in landscape setting did not differ from that of a single display. It appears that the preferred display position varies with the vertical dimension of the overall viewable area of the display. The results of this study can be used to determine the dimensions or adjustability of computer workstations for larger displays or multiple displays settings.

Ergonomic Aspects And Health Hazards On Computer Workstations' Operators At Zagazig University: An Occupational Risk Management Approach.

Background: Extent of computer usage in public and private sectors had been greatly increased in recent decades carrying the risk of several health hazards. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of self assessment of physical discomforts among computer operators at Zagazig University, and to conduct an interventional ergonomic health education program and measuring the extent of success of this program. Subjects and Methods: A study was conducted on 118 computer operators in different 12 computer workstations at Zagazig University. A cross sectional study using standardized questionnaire, and interventional study included application of ergonomic health education intervention program were implemented. Evaluation was done six months after conduction of the intervention to measure the degree of success of the program. Results: Analysis of (lie collected data reveals that eye tiredness is the most common symptom which represents 70.3%. Headache also has a high percentage which represents 61%, the least prevalent symptom is lacrimation which represents 24.6%. The significant risk factors for eye problems are screen glare, working duration more than 6 years in computer field and daily working hours in front of computer more than 5 hours. Musculoskeletat problems eye problems, working duration more than 6 years in ; computer field and daily working hours in front of computer more than 5 hours are the significant predictors for work fatigue. The most prevalent musculoskeletal symptom among studied computer operators is neck pain (49.2%) followed by lower back pain (48.3%). Awkward posture, prolonged sitting, working duration more than 6 years in computer field and daily working hours in front of computer more than 5 hours are the significant risk factors for having musculoskeletal symptoms. The ergonomic health education intervention program has a significant effect on raising computer operators' knowledge about computer health hazards and also has a significant effect on operators' practices towards modification and adaptation of their workstations regarding monitor and keyboard position. Conclusion and recommendations: Although video display terminal work carries the risk of several health hazards, just application of simple ergonomic health education intervention program through meetings to address questions and concerns and then give the health education message about health hazards, risk factors and the right manner of safe practice can lead to significant positive impact on knowledge, practices and health status of workers. So, we recommend periodic training, proper ergonomic basis, adequate room area and Establishment of ergonomic website directed to computer operators at Zagazig University Workstations. Key words: ergonomics, video display terminals, work stations operators, health hazards

Effect of horizontal position of the computer keyboard on upper extremity posture and muscular load during computer work

The distance of the keyboard from the edge of a work surface has been associated with hand and arm pain; however, the variation in postural and muscular effects with the horizontal position have not been explicitly explored in previous studies. It was hypothesized that the wrist approaches more of a neutral posture as the keyboard distance from the edge of table increases. In a laboratory setting, 20 adults completed computer tasks using four workstation configurations: with the keyboard at the edge of the work surface (NEAR), 8 cm from the edge and 15 cm from the edge, the latter condition also with a pad that raised the work surface proximal to the keyboard (FWP). Electrogoniometers and an electromagnetic motion analysis system measured wrist and upper arm postures and surface electromyography measured muscle activity of two forearm and two shoulder muscles. Wrist ulnar deviation decreased by 50% (4°) as the keyboard position moved away from the user. Without a pad, wrist extension increased by 20% (4°) as the keyboard moved away but when the pad was added, wrist extension did not differ from that in the NEAR configuration. Median values of wrist extensor muscle activity decreased by 4% maximum voluntary contraction for the farthest position with a pad (FWP). The upper arm followed suit: flexion increased while abduction and internal rotation decreased as the keyboard was positioned further away from the edge of the table. In order to achieve neutral postures of the upper extremity, the keyboard position in the horizontal plane has an important role and needs to be considered within the context of workstation designs and interventions.

Factors associated with self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort in video display terminal (VDT) users

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with the self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort in a population of video display terminal (VDT) operators. The data were collected via a survey administered to 373 persons who use a VDT at a corporate office site; 292 of the surveys were returned (78%). Respondents were asked to report on symptoms for six body regions, as well as job requirement information, demographic information, and a question regarding non-occupational hobbies. Six specific body regions were included: head and eyes, neck and upper back, lower back, shoulders, elbows and forearms, and hands and wrists. Descriptive information on these data was obtained through exploratory factor analysis, while logistic regression was used to estimate risk. The results indicated a statistically significant increased risk of discomfort on each of the body regions as the number of hours of keyboard use increases. Improper monitor and keyboard position were also significantly associated with head/eye and shoulder/back discomfort, respectively. These results emphasize the importance of workstation ergonomics and the need to limit the number of uninterrupted hours at the keyboard to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms. Relevance to industry VDTs are ubiquitous in the workplace, even outside the office environment. Understanding risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort among VDT users will help reduce cost associated with lost time, medical expenses and lost productivity due to improper use of VDTs in the workplace.

Video display terminal workstation improvement program: I. Baseline associations between musculoskeletal discomfort and ergonomic features of workstations.

Associations between selected sites of musculoskeletal discomfort and ergonomic characteristics of the video display terminal (VDT) workstation were assessed in analyses controlling for demographic, psychosocial stress, and VDT use factors in 273 VDT users from a large administrative department. Significant associations with wrist/hand discomfort were seen for female gender; working 7+ hours at a VDT; low job satisfaction; poor keyboard position; use of new, adjustable furniture; and layout of the workstation. Significantly increased odds ratios for neck/shoulder discomfort were observed for 7+ hours at a VDT, less than complete job control, older age (40 to 49 years), and never/infrequent breaks. Lower back discomfort was related marginally to working 7+ hours at a VDT. These results demonstrate that some characteristics of VDT workstations, after accounting for psychosocial stress, can be correlated with musculoskeletal discomfort.

Analysis of the Tony!™ Variable Geometry VDT Keyboard

This study utilizes a variable geometry keyboard to analyze the optimal configuration for a split QWERTY-type keyboard. The measured criteria were muscle activity as measured by EMG and reported operator discomfort. A variable geometry keyboard, simultaneously adjustable in opening angle (yaw) and lateral angle (roll) was obtained. The upward slope (tilt) was preset at 10%. The study manipulated the keyboard geometry to assess the difference in musculoskeletal activity between using (1) a conventional, flat, linear keyboard; (2) a neutral, undeviated wrist position; and (3) two forearm positions that essentially eliminate pronation. Eight experienced subjects with no prior history of wrist injury or other pathology were tested. EMG activity of four relevant muscle groups was measured on each subject for each of the four keyboard positions. The study suggested an 18° opening angle and a 30°–60° lateral angle as optimal when compared with a flat, standard keyboard (they minimize objective EMG activity and subjective discomfort).

Multivariate Analysis of Typeface Damage Frequencies

Abstract To explore possible deterministic factors in typeface damage, multivariate analysis was performed on data developed by Dr. David Crown in his doctoral dissertation on typewriter individuality. Crown observed a slow increase in collective typeface damage with the duration of typewriter use, but found no apparent increase in damage correlated with individual letter use frequencies. These findings seemed peculiar and were the initial motivation for the present study. For multivariate analysis, three groups of dependent variables were defined: those based on letter use frequencies; those based on letter form; and those based on basket or keyboard position. Both letter-use frequency and letter area showed statistically significant positive correlation with typeface damage frequencies. Together, these two variables accounted for 42% of the observed variation in damage frequencies. None of the other variables tested was able to explain any statistically significant portion of the remaining variation. These variables included use frequencies associated with difficult finger movements, vertical extension of letters, basket position, and keyboard row. The 58% residual variation must be combined with additional variation introduced by the form and position of typeface damage. With this amount of variation left unexplained, the deterministic factors identified in this study are of little significance in the interpretation of typewriting comparisons.