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Ergonomic Evaluation of a Forearm Supporter for a Mouse  

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)
Publication Information
Journal of the Korean Society of Safety / v.20, no.2, 2005 , pp. 169-174 More about this Journal
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.
Keywords
musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs); visual display terminal(VDT) syndrome; forearm supporter; electro-myogram(EM G); borg's Scale;
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