The effect of a feedback signal in a computer mouse on hovering behaviour, productivity, comfort and usability in a field study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a tactile feedback signal on hovering behaviour, productivity, usability and comfort after 1 week of using an experimental mouse. In a randomized controlled trial, a regular computer mouse was compared to a new developed mouse with a tactile, vibrating feedback signal to prevent unnecessary hovering above the computer mouse. According to this study, participants do decrease their hovering behaviour when using a mouse with tactile feedback. Furthermore, the mouse with tactile feedback did not influence productivity. Usability was rated somewhat mixed. The use of a mouse with a tactile vibrating feedback signal seems promising for preventing neck, shoulder and arm complaints. Further research is needed to study long-term effects on (prevention of) neck, shoulder and arm complaints and development of learning effects.

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 addition, using the computer mouse with a feedback signal decreased mouse usage duration 14. Therefore, a mouse with a feedback signal seems to be a promising preventative measure for upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms among office workers.…”

Effectiveness of workplace interventions in the prevention of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and symptoms: an update of the evidence

“… 80 The vibration feedback about static mouse use category includes evidence from two high quality studies 62 67 and one medium quality study. 53 The stretching exercise programmes category includes evidence from one high-quality study 68–70 and five medium-quality studies. 60 61 63 81 82 The moderate level of evidence of a positive effect resulted in the message: consider implementing these interventions if applicable to the work context.…”

Are workplace health promotion programs effective at improving presenteeism in workers? a systematic review and best evidence synthesis of the literature

“…Four interventions were unsuccessful at improving presenteeism in their specific employee populations and work settings (Additional files 4 and 5 ). Two of these were rated as strong [ 51 , 52 ] and two as moderate [ 53 , 54 ]. These consisted of the implementation of a computer mouse with a feedback signal to prevent hovering behaviour [ 54 ], a multi-dimensional program for low back pain prevention [ 51 ], specific resistance training and all-around physical exercise [ 53 ], and worksite exercise/reduced work hours [ 52 ].…”