Individual Differences in Typing: Pause Length

Abstract

An analysis of pause distribution for 12 subjects on a controlled copying task suggests that pause-based measures used to assess writing processes should reflect individual differences in typing.

Hand rest and wrist support are effective in preventing fatigue during prolonged typing

“…Prior professional experience in task execution was an exclusion criteria because of the variability commonly found in the method trained people use while typing and because of the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders that affect this population. 21 Individuals diagnosed with any musculoskeletal disorders 12 months prior or those who reported the presence of typical WMSD symptoms were excluded from the study.…”

“…A 30-inch screen (30-inch Apple Cinema Display, Apple Inc, CA) was used with split windows for reading and typing to avoid the need to turn, bend, or extend the head. 21…”

“…Previous studies have measured the degree of muscle fatigue in several work-related tasks involving the use of computers to assess the occurrence of fatigue-related pain. 12,18 Some of the variables considered in previous studies included body posture at the workstation, 2,19 the use of keyboard and forearm support, 20 work rhythm, 21 mouse use, 20 force applied, 6 and wrist deviation relative to the middle line. 1 However, few studies have assessed muscle fatigue induced by typing, particularly by prolonged typing, in a systematic and ecological manner while taking occupational strategies, such as supports and stretching pauses, into consideration.…”