Effect of Setup Configurations of Split Computer Keyboards on Wrist Angle

Alternative computer keyboards whose halves can be slanted toward each other can reduce a risk factor (ulnar deviation) for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) affecting the upper limbs. Two questions that computer keyboard operators face when using keyboards that can be separated into halves (split keyboards) are: (1) At what angle should the keyboard halves be opened? and (2) At what distance apart should the keyboard halves be placed? The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the opening angle and separation distance between halves of a split keyboard on wrist ulnar deviation and typing efficiency. Methods. Eleven experienced computer keyboard operators participated in this study and used a split keyboard that was set up in a conventional (nonsplit) format and also in 3 alternative configurations: (1) centers of keyboard halves were separated at 20-cm distance, (2) keyboard halves were separated half of the distance of shoulder width, and (3) keyboard halves were separated at shoulder width distance. Results. The 3 alternative configurations resulted in ulnar deviation of both wrists that were less than ulnar deviation from typing on a conventional setup. There were no differences in ulnar deviations among the 3 alternative configurations. Discussion and Conclusion. The results of this research provide physical therapists and ergonomists with a set of configurations of a split keyboard that they can recommend to their patients or clients. All of the alternative configurations of the split keyboard are beneficial in promoting a neutral wrist position, which theoretically would decrease exposure to WMSDs such as tenosynovitis in the wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome. [Marklin RW, Simoneau GG. Effect of setup configurations of split computer keyboards on wrist angle. Phys Ther. 2001;81:1038 –1048.

Occupational repetitive strain injuries in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVE: To review currently available evidence on the epidemiology and management of occupational repetitive strain injuries with particular reference to Hong Kong. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: Medline, PubMed and Cochrane Library searches of local and internationally published English journals from 1990 to 2007 regarding repetitive strain injuries. DATA EXTRACTION: All articles involving occupational repetitive strain injuries in Hong Kong were included in this review. DATA SYNTHESIS: There were 16 articles contributing data on the impact of repetitive strain injuries both in Hong Kong and around the world. There were seven articles dealing with the problem of computer station set-ups and methods for improving the workstation environments. CONCLUSION: Currently there were significant data on the impact of repetitive strain injuries in Hong Kong. The data took the form of compensation claims, days away from work, and cost of medical consultations. Other articles described proper workplace adjustments to help prevent repetitive strain injuries. However, there were no figures in the current literature showing the impact of these adjustments in reducing the incidence of repetitive strain injuries. More research could help to delineate the relationship between different types of interventions and occupational repetitive strain injuries.published_or_final_versio

What\u27s a Librarian to Do? Literature Review: The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Because carpal tunnel syndrome is considered significantly prevalent among library workers, this literature review was begun to check the injury’s prevalence, seriousness, and potential remedies. The literature review quickly showed the topic fraught with difficulties in everything from trying to define the syndrome to considering best treatments for those afflicted. Although library literature was sparse, the literature was replete with good information and advice. There is still much confusion surrounding the topic, however, and additional information including medical literature was sought to clarify and amplify some of the major aspects of carpal tunnel syndrome as it relates to library workers

Writing With(out) Pain: Computing Injuries and the Role of the Body in Writing Activity

This article uses the lens of computer writing injuries to explore writing as an embodied activity. We use philosopher Mark Johnson\u27s five-part definition of embodiment to develop an analysis that examines the physical, flesh-and-blood aspects of writing in addition to the social and cultural aspects of embodied activity. With this framework, we show the limits of purely technological solutions to writing injuries (like ergonomic keyboards) and explore the difficulties of including somatic training in the writing classroom. Rather than prescribing a single solution, we propose that these injuries require multifaceted infrastructural changes, and point to the benefits of approaching writing with mindfulness. We conclude by suggesting ways that writing instructors and scholars can use this framework to rethink the role of the body in writing activity

Development of an Ergonomic Desk and Support for Optimal Keyboard Angle in the Sitting and Standing Workstation

With the proliferation of computers in homes and workplaces, the keyboard has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it is difficult to imagine using a computer without one. Given the high prevalence of WMSDs among computer users and the growing global computer workforce, concerns exist about the escalation of computer related injury with Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) being one of the most reported WMSDs among office workers. The forceful and repetitive movements of the hand and wrist, prolonged use of the hand and wrist and a non-neutral or awkward wrist posture (where there is a migration from a neutral flexion/extension position) are some of the causes of CTS among office workers. If these known risks are not addressed appropriately, this injury will inhibit a person’s ability to perform work effectively. The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal range of keyboard angles for sitting and standing positions based on wrist posture, forearm muscle activities and user preference. Keyboard location in relation to user position and distance will be identified for both sitting and standing postures. 30 volunteers with an above 40wpm typing speed participated in this study with wrist posture, muscle activity, typing performance, distance to place keyboard and user preference as dependent variables were measured. A 2-way ANOVA for repeated measure was performed using the SPSS software for analyzing the results of the dependent variables. Results show that, although user prefer to use positive keyboard angle, the negatively tilted keyboard is more ergonomically friendly at both sitting and standing workstations as compared to the standard keyboard angle, reducing muscle activity and awkward wrist posture while maintaining performance. Findings from this study should provide a useful framework for ergonomics practice and policy evaluation, and we expect that an office workstation can be improved for workers to reduce their risk of developing WMSDs, specifically CTS, with an ergonomic desk for sitting and standing workstations, including a universally adjustable support attached to the desk for sitting and standing workstation

Conservative physiotherapeutic approach to Carpal Tunnel syndrome. Bibliographic review

El síndrome de túnel carpiano es la neuropatía periférica por atrapamiento más común en adultos. Consiste en una compresión del nervio mediano en su paso por el túnel del carpo situado en la muñeca. La prevalencia es mayor en mujeres, con edades entre 40 y 60 años. La incidencia aumenta en pacientes diabéticos, hiperuricemia, acromegalia o durante la gestación. La compresión nerviosa se produce por mecanismos directos o indirectos. Las etiologías más comunes son posiciones mantenidas, movimientos repetitivos, impactos traumáticos, fracturas, problemas circulatorios y en la actualidad se ve aumentado por el uso de nuevas tecnologías (ordenadores y videojuegos). Se pretende mostrar las diferentes técnicas y vías de tratamiento fisioterapéutico para abordar el síndrome del túnel carpiano. Se ha hecho una revisión bibliográfica realizada en las bases de datos PubMed, PEDro,SpringerLink y Cochrane. Se seleccionaron un total de 9 artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años, sobre tratamiento conservador del síndrome del túnel carpiano. Se aplicó la escala PEDro. Se han encontrado una gran diversidad de tratamientos conservadores fisioterapéuticos para abordar el síndrome del túnel carpiano, como la terapia manual, deslizamientos tendinosos y nerviosos, ultrasonido, parafina, kinesiotaping y uso de férula nocturna. Las medidas de resultados empleadas eran similares, evaluando el dolor con escala EVA, cuestionario de Boston, conducción nerviosa y fuerza de agarre. La duración del tratamiento es variable entre los distintos estudios, oscilando entre 3 y 10 semanas. El tratamiento fisioterapéutico conservador ha mostrado mejores resultados para abordar el síndrome del túnel carpiano. Las técnicas con mayor efectividad fueron la terapia manual, los deslizamientos tendinosos y nerviosos y el uso de una férula nocturna. El tratamiento combinado ha demostrado ser más eficaz para unificar todos los beneficios del tratamiento conservador