Effects of Ergorest^® Arm Supports on Muscle Strain and Wrist Positions During the Use of the Mouse and Keyboard in Work With Visual Display Units: A Work Site Intervention

Abstract

The effects of Ergorest arm supports on wrist angles and musculoskeletal strain in the neck-shoulder-arm region and electrical activity in the shoulder and arm muscles were studied during typing or the use of the mouse in work with a visual display unit (VDU). Twenty-one women were randomized into 3 groups (1 arm support, 2 arm supports, and control). Measurements were carried out before and after the 6-week intervention. The wrist extension of the mouse hand, the muscle activity of the trapezius muscle, and the subjective discomfort ratings indicated that 2 arm supports were better than 1 in work with a mouse. The Ergorest arm support alleviates muscle and joint strain in VDU work when used for both arms.

Ergonomic Comparison of a Sit-Stand Workstation With a Traditional Workstation in Visual Display Unit Work

“…The suitable height of the working surface enabled the participants to keep their wrists in a more neutral position. This finding agrees with the results elicited during the use of arm rests [13]. It is obvious, that too low working surface in VDU work will cause greater extension of the wrists.…”

“…The electrically adjustable table offers possibilities to adjust the table height so that it is good for supporting the arms in different tasks. Resting the arms on the table surface has been found to be associated with a reduced risk of neck and shoulder pain and lower discomfort [13][14][15][16]. Possibility to support arms also increases the function of arms among persons with disabilities [25].…”

“…Accordingly, any activity that decreases inactivity time, like sitting, may benefit health [1][2][3][4][5]13]. …”

“…Further, good forearm support has been shown to reduce the musculoskeletal exposure, and discomfort in VDU work [13][14][15][16] Dainoff et al [7] reported about an ergonomic intervention, which included also a use of motorized adjustable workstations in VDU work, that musculoskeletal pain among the VDU workers reduced significantly. According to Schofield et al [17] standing and typing produced an average of 13% higher energy expenditure than sitting and typing did, and it can therefore reduce the risk of weight gain.…”

Computer Use Associated With Poor Long-Term Prognosis of Conservatively Managed Lateral Epicondylalgia

“…No studies have specifically evaluated the effectiveness of ergonomic inter ventions in the treatment of lateral epicondylalgia. Nevertheless, there is some evidence that ergonomic training programs, 32 workstation adjustment, 1,39 and the implementation of work-rest schedules 3,65 decreases the discomfort associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. Patients need explicit guidance to implement changes to their working environments 32 and this requires that health professionals who treat patients with lateral epicondylalgia have a thorough knowledge of ergonomic workstation guidelines and computer-related ergonomic equipment.…”