Journal of the Korean Society of Safety (한국안전학회지)

The Korean Society of Safety (한국안전학회)
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Ergonomic Evaluation of a Forearm Supporter for a Mouse

마우스 사용시 전완지지대의 인간공학적 평가

  • Bae Dong Cheol (Department of Safety Engineering, Pukyong National University) ;
  • Chang Seong Rok (Department of Safety Engineering, Pukyong National University) ;
  • Jung Jae Hoon (Department of Safety Engineering, Pukyong National University) ;
  • Jin Sang Eun (Department of Safety Engineering, Pukyong National University)
  • Published : 2005.06.01
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Abstract

Traditionally, keyboards have been one of the most frequently used input devices for information processing using computers. As most computers adopt the Microsoft Windows for their operating system however, the usage of mouse has recently increased to a great extent. Moreover, the mouse has been used as the leading input device in such areas as industrial design and computer aided design. Excessive uses of mouse may cause a severe pain and fatigue on neck and upper limb due to the intensive and repetitive use of corresponding muscles, which renders a decline in efficiency and leads to musculoskeletal disorders. The main purpose of this study is to find the best working conditions to prevent musculoskeletal disorders when using mouse in a neutral posture. Utilizing electromyogram amplitude and Borg's scale, the role change and strength imposed on the muscles were measured and analyzed with and without the forearm support concerned. Also investigated were the effects of changes in elbow forearm supporter.

최근 산업현장 전반에 걸쳐 작업관련성 근골격계질환의 발생이 증가하고 있으며 그 피해의 규모도 점점 확대되어 가고 있다. 뿐만 아니라, 과거에는 주로 중량물 취급 또는 단순반복적인 작업등에 의해서 발생하였지만 최근에는 대부분의 생산현장에서 컴퓨터를 이용한 자동화가 이루어지고 가정용 PC가 널리 보급됨에 따라 컴퓨터의 사용과 관련한 근골격계질환의 발생이 증가하고 있다. 많은 사람들이 컴퓨터의 사용과 관련한 불편함 및 통증을 호소하면서 각종 보조도구들이 개발 및 판매되고 있으나 대부분 그 효과가 입증되지 않은 상태로 사용되고 있어서 오히려 이러한 보조도구의 사용이 근골격계질환의 발생위험성을 더 높아지게 할 수도 있다. 본 연구에서는 마우스 사용 시 보조도구로 이용되는 전완 지지대의 사용에 대하여 그 효과를 실험을 통하여 평가하였다. 본 실험에서는 Borg's scale과 근전도(Electromyography : EMC)를 이용하여 측정하였으며 분산분석(Analysis of Variance : ANOVA)을 통해 유의성을 검증하였다. 측정자료를 분석한 결과 전완지지대'의 사용이 오히려 작업의 효율을 떨어뜨리고 작업자가 느끼는 불편함 및 통증의 정도와 근육의 활동량을 증가시킴을 알 수 있었다.

Keywords

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