Effect of four computer keyboards in computer users with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.
Eighty computer users with musculoskeletal disorders participated in a 6-month, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of four computer keyboards on clinical findings, pain severity, functional hand status, and comfort. The alternative geometry keyboards tested were: the Apple Adjustable Keyboard [kb1], Comfort Keyboard System [kb2], Microsoft Natural Keyboard [kb3], and placebo. Compared to placebo, kb3 and to a lesser extent kb1 groups demonstrated an improving trend in pain severity and hand function following 6 months of keyboard use. However, there was no corresponding consistent improvement in clinical findings in the alternative geometry keyboard groups compared to the placebo group. Overall, there was a significant correlation between improvement of pain severity and greater satisfaction with the keyboards. These results provide evidence that keyboard users may experience a reduction in hand pain after several months of use of some alternative geometry keyboards.
Tittiranonda
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P
Interdisciplinary Ergonomics Research Program, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94551, USA.
Rempel
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D
Armstrong
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T
Burastero
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S
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016288:Computer Terminals; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000534:rehabilitation*