Carpal tunnel syndrome and the use of computer mouse and keyboard: A systematic review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This review examines evidence for an association between computer work and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A systematic review of studies of computer work and CTS was performed. Supplementary, longitudinal studies of low force, repetitive work and CTS, and studies of possible pathophysiological mechanisms were evaluated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Eight epidemiological studies of the association between computer work and CTS were identified. All eight studies had one or more limitation including imprecise exposure and outcome assessment, low statistical power or potentially serious biases. In three of the studies an exposure-response association was observed but because of possible misclassification no firm conclusions could be drawn. Three of the studies found risks below 1. Also longitudinal studies of repetitive low-force non-computer work (n = 3) were reviewed but these studies did not add evidence to an association. Measurements of carpal tunnel pressure (CTP) under conditions typically observed among computer users showed pressure values below levels considered harmful. However, during actual mouse use one study showed an increase of CTP to potentially harmful levels. The long term effects of prolonged or repeatedly increased pressures at these levels are not known, however.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>There is insufficient epidemiological evidence that computer work causes CTS.</p

Role of biomechanics in the understanding of normal, injured, and healing ligaments and tendons

Ligaments and tendons are soft connective tissues which serve essential roles for biomechanical function of the musculoskeletal system by stabilizing and guiding the motion of diarthrodial joints. Nevertheless, these tissues are frequently injured due to repetition and overuse as well as quick cutting motions that involve acceleration and deceleration. These injuries often upset this balance between mobility and stability of the joint which causes damage to other soft tissues manifested as pain and other morbidity, such as osteoarthritis

Dynamic Modelling of Keyboard Skills: Supporting Users With Motor Disabilities

. This paper describes the effective application of user modelling to the assessment of the physical ease with which a user can operate a standard QWERTY keyboard. The application is unusual in the sense that physical rather than cognitive skills are being modelled. The model examines four important skills which a user may have difficulty with, and produces an assessment of the ideal keyboard configuration for that user. This assessment can then be used to adapt the keyboard. For users with motor disabilities, such adaption can minimise or even eliminate the problems they experience. The model dynamically adapts to the current user and operates on free English text input. It has been evaluated using typing data from twenty keyboard users with disabilities and six without. The configuration recommendations made are very well matched to the users&apos; problem areas. 1 Introduction Computer users with motor disabilities can experience difficulties with the operation of QWERTY keyboards. If w..