Hi, a friend of mine who carries out a fair amount of typing complained to her employer about the computer mouse causing her to have a painful wrist. She had received training in how to set up her DSE and had received a number of assessments all saying that she was doing the right things. Her GP cannot find any underlying physical problems but suggested that she contact the company H&S adviser. The health and safety adviser responded positively and suggested purchasing an "ergonomic mouse" which is gripped like a handshake. I have never heard of these, but checked them out on Google; such things do exist. My question to the ergonomists out there : do these actually work or are they a gimmick? Thanks in advance. PH2

Is the type of mouse you are referring to the type that has a large tracker ball for mouse movement (with the actual mouse remaining static) or a joystick type mouse? I'm no ergonomist, but have attended a HSL training session on the ART tool, where an off topic question was raised about types of computer mouse. The type of mouse that require the user to use a large tracker ball for movement have been shown (in their experience) to be worse, forcing more movements of the fingers. In the HSL representatives opinion, a standard design mouse is the best option as you have free movement of the forearm / wrist etc. so everyone should be able to achieve a suitable working posture (i.e. users have the option to minimise movement of the wrist by moving the mouse using the forearm and vice-versa). I wouldn't know about joystick type mouse designs though.

PH2 1. The expression 'ergonomic mouse' is a marketing term not a techical one. 2. A mouse (or other input device) that fits the task and physique of users is by definition 'ergonomic'. 3. Probably the best source for comparative information on 'mice' is Auburn Engineers (can't immediately recall their URL but it's online) and www.ergoweb.com; both circulate monthly newsletters. A registered member of the IEHF and a 'European Ergonomist', I went with the recommendation of the owner of Ergoweb and bought a brand (OrthoMouse) designed by an orthopedic surgeon (accustomed to cutting the wrists and otherwise treating RSI sufferers) and an electronic engineer; what's distinctive about it is that it comes in six parts and the user has to assemble 4 out of the six to suit his/her hand, after trialling the various configurations. Of the ten I've tested, the only factor on which it doesn't come top is price - but it is by far the best on 'value'.

I was having problems with my mouse at my last employ - i spoke to the IT guys and asked them for a 'trackball' to try - it made a huge difference - for not much more than the cost of an ordinary mouse.

A more euphonious aka agreeable label for the 'mish mash' A Kurdzier refers to is frequently called 'participatory ergonomics'. It has the advantage of challenging stereotyping ergonomic science as limited to any kinds of artefacts when it was invented to balance safety with efficiency and effectiveness and became 'established' after it was proven to be the optimal process for achieving this balance, under the stresses of World War II. Technical jargon for ergonomic tools that do their job well is often 'interfaces' which support control by the user and ready interpretation of feedback (physical or cognitive) by him or her. In the instance of a mouse, too often the feedback that's noticed is painful symptoms when there's actually an array of feedback from the mouse and other interfaces that are disregarded. In the 'appraisal' that Bob Youel refers to, relevant interfaces might include, the user's seat, desk, monitor, printer, tower or other storage device, headphones, desktop/mobile phone, as well as sources of lighting. Any or all of them can influence behavioural inputting habits and unconscious postures of the user of a computer mouse. While 'participatory ergonomics' or a mish mash may superficially appear dispensable, rigorous research by social psychologists at Exeter University, funded by Rentokil, has indicated that, when well designed it greatly raises productivity. The mechanism involved is known as 'social identity', which in effect means giving people real shared purpose in their work. In my own experience, at times such 'particitpatory ergonomics' can also be by far the most cost-effective way of resolving disputes about safety violations where an employer has been at fault for the way ahead may be best related to dovetailing the needs of customers, employees and management in the design and fulfilment of new 'interfaces'.

OMG I have been doing participatory ergonomics for years without even knowing! Interfaces sounds better than ‘mice and things’. Every so often there’d be an attempt to create a harmonious look for our offices. But applying the principles mentioned we always got back to our old (but effective mish mash).

Maybe, maybe A Kurdziel..... .... to the extent that you've built an anthropometric databased of relevant body dimensions of staff (from 5th percentile female to 95th percentile male) Otherwise it may well be a 'mish mash' or what's scientifically known as 'random', e.g. relying on whatever IT or anyone else may propose. Regrettably or otherwise, that's more like what the coalition government advocate. It's far, far from the standard that Loftstedt proposed by the science-based criterion 'as far as reasonably practicable', which has been the touchstone of court decision-making in personal injury claims for decades.

PH2 http://www.shortcutworld.com/en/win/Word_2010.html Often over looked is the use of keyboard short cuts at reducing mouse time and breaking then re-establishing the grip on the mouse allowing your muscles to rest and then cycle. Personal experience forced me down another route which was learning to mouse with my opposite hand and swapping when I felt the need. Awkward for the first week and then dead on. Thirdly go wireless to reduce the drag associated with the cable on the desktop. Its minor but can be very annoying if your already on the verge of pain. Fourthly stop sitting on forums after mid night rattling out polemic. Jeff