Effectiveness of an ergonomic keyboard for typists with work related upper extremity disorders: a follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether long-term use of an ergonomic keyboard was effective in reducing symptom severity and improving functional status for individuals who experience symptoms of work related upper extremity disorders (WRUED).


METHODS
Twenty-nine symptomatic workers employed by a single company.


METHODS
Participants were assessed after using an ergonomic keyboard for an average of 34 months. Symptom severity, clinical signs, functional status, and typing speed were measured and compared with baseline and six-month study data.


RESULTS
Repeated-measure analysis identified that participants maintained the improvement realized at the six-month study mark for symptom severity and functional status, and maintained their typing speed and accuracy.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the study suggest that continuous ergonomic keyboard use was effective in maintaining improvements obtained after six months of use. The potential for ergonomic keyboard use in preventing injury in keyboard operators warrants further investigation.
Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. ripatj@cc.umanitoba.ca
Jacquie
J
Ripat
Ed
E
Giesbrecht
Arthur
A
Quanbury
Sarah
S
Kelso
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003201:Computers; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000293:injuries*