Effects of a feedback signal in a computer mouse on movement behaviour, muscle load, productivity, comfort and user friendliness

Abstract

To study the effects of a tactile feedback signal in a computer mouse on reduction of hovering behaviour and consequently on changes in muscle load, productivity, comfort and user friendliness, a comparative, experimental study with repeated measures was conducted. Fifteen subjects performed five trials with different mouse actions and a standardised task, once with a mouse with the feedback signal and once with a mouse without the feedback signal. Holding the hand just above the mouse caused higher muscle loading than clicking and scrolling. Holding the hand on the mouse caused higher muscle loading than resting the hand on the desk. The feedback signal effectively decreased hovering behaviour. It also led to a more dynamic activation pattern of the extensor muscles of the forearm. The overall opinion of the feedback signal for future use was rated as somewhat variable. No effects on discomfort or productivity were found. The use of a mouse with a tactile vibrating feedback signal seems promising for preventing arm complaints, although more research is needed to establish the clinical relevance.

Effectiveness of a feedback signal in a computer mouse on upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms: a randomised controlled trial with an 8-month follow-up

“…In this study, the mouse usage duration significantly decreased, as was expected based on the results of the previous studies 13 14. Based on these same studies, it was also expected that the intervention would increase the frequency of mouse usage breaks, which would contribute to fewer new symptoms and a decrease of the prevalence of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms.…”

“…This result can be explained in two ways: (1) the intervention did not decrease mouse usage or (2) participants’ compliance was low. Because two earlier studies on mouse usage behaviour showed large decreases in mouse usage while using a computer mouse with the feedback signal,13 14 participants’ compliance to the intervention may have been low in our study as well.…”

“…In 2005, a laboratory study exploring the effect of the use of a computer mouse with a tactile feedback signal during standardised computer tasks showed that the mouse with a feedback signal significantly increases the dynamic activation pattern of the wrist extensors 13. In addition, using the computer mouse with a feedback signal decreased mouse usage duration 14.…”

Biofeedback effectiveness to reduce upper limb muscle activity during computer work is muscle specific and time pressure dependent

“…auditory (Gerard et al, 2002), visually (Palmerud et al, 1995), and vibratory signal (de Korte et al, 2008;Vollenbroek-Hutten et al, 2006). However, previous studies have not demonstrated one mode being more effective than the other with regard to reducing muscle activity.…”

The effects of tactile feedback and movement alteration on interaction and awareness with digital embodiments

“…For example, research into mediated social touch attempts to support touch over a distance through tactile or kinesthetic feedback (see [12] for a review). Other researchers created haptic or tactile feedback systems for a variety of purposes, ranging from increasing presence [28], expressing and interpreting emotion [3], providing spatial information to blind users [29], and encouraging users to take breaks [7].…”