Effects of Ergorest^® Arm Supports on Muscle Strain and Wrist Positions During the Use of the Mouse and Keyboard in Work With Visual Display Units: A Work Site Intervention

Abstract

The effects of Ergorest^® arm supports on wrist angles and musculoskeletal strain in the neck-shoulder-arm region and electrical activity in the shoulder and arm muscles were studied during typing or the use of the mouse in work with a visual display unit (VDU). Twenty-one women were randomized into 3 groups (1 arm support, 2 arm supports, and control). Measurements were carried out before and after the 6-week intervention. The wrist extension of the mouse hand, the muscle activity of the trapezius muscle, and the subjective discomfort ratings indicated that 2 arm supports were better than 1 in work with a mouse. The Ergorest^® arm support alleviates muscle and joint strain in VDU work when used for both arms.

• ergonomics
• arm support
• visual display unit (VDU)
• electromyography
• wrist angle