Effect of Different Computer Mouse Platform Slopes on Wrist Positions

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using four different computer mouse platform slopes on the wrist radial/ulnar deviation and extension/flexion postures. The four computer mouse platform slopes tested were, two horizontal slopes (with and without forearm support), and two downward tilted slopes of 10o and 20o . Thirty male students of an average age of 19.6 (±1.3) years, average height of 177.3 (±6.1) cm, and average weight of 77 (± 13.2) Kg participated in this study. Each student conducted a ‘point and click’ computer mouse task for 30 minutes at each of the four computer mouse platform slopes, with each slope tested at a separate day. Wrist radial/ulnar deviation and extension/flexion postures’ data were collected before and after task performance. Results revealed that the use of computer mouse at the 10o downward tilted slope was associated with minimal degrees of wrist joint deviations. Conclusion drawn from the results of studying the use of the computer mouse at different platforms inclinations showed that computer mouse use at the 10 degree slope is the most preferable as it causes the minimal discomfort to the wrist joint of the user, thus avoiding related musculoskeletal disorders.