1st
appeared 12 February 1999
New Computer Keyboard Design Effective in Decreasing Hand
Pain, Study Finds
A study led by UCSF and UC Berkeley researchers has found that a new
computer keyboard design can decrease hand paresthesia -- numbness, tingling, burning in
the hand -- experienced by frequent computer users.
"This is the first randomized clinical study to demonstrate that keyboard design can
reduce pain in computer users who have hand discomfort similar to symptoms in carpal
tunnel syndrome," said David Rempel, UCSF associate professor of medicine and
director of the UCSF and UC Berkeley Ergonomics Program. "The study showed that a
significant reduction in symptoms is possible with a simple intervention -- using springs
underneath each key that change the force or feel of the key switches."
Results of the study were reported in the February 1999 issue of the Journal of
Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Study findings showed that after 12 weeks, participants who used a keyboard requiring less
force on the keys experienced a significantly greater reduction in hand pain compared with
participants using a keyboard that required more force on the keys. However, at six weeks,
there was no significant differences in pain levels between keyboard groups.
Given their findings, Rempel and research colleagues recommend the following:
- Health care providers who care for computer users with hand
discomfort may recommend a three-month trial of a keyboard with the different key
switches.
- Computer users with hand pain should reduce time on the keyboard and
take adequate breaks from the computer.
- Computer users should modify work station layout so the keyboard is
not too high and so they do not have to stretch to reach for the computer.
- Keyboards with new designs do not replace medical interventions.
Computer users and health care professionals should not ignore traditional treatments for
hand pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Links:
UCSF and UC Berkeley Ergonomics Program
Journal of Occupational and Environmental
Medicine
Source: Lordelyn P. del Rosario, News
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