Arm problems are commonly associated with the use of a computer. It is generally accepted among occupational therapists that having a good ergonomic setup is needed to prevent and manage pain.

This Canadian study sought to assess whether an ergonomic keyboard made a difference for employees with long term arm pain or work-related upper extremity disorders.

30 patients were given ergonomic keyboards and used them for approximately three years. 

Researchers measured their reported symptoms, their typing speed and their reported abilities. 

The researchers found that people using ergonomic keyboards experienced a reduction in the severity of their pain and an improvement in their general abilities. They were also able to maintain their usual typing speed. 

Ergonomic keyboards are infrequently used. This is a relatively small study but suggests that use of an ergonomic keyboard can help individuals with arm pain. The cost of an ergonomic keyboard is around $80, which is a relatively small cost to offset what can be a long term problem. The article suggests that trialing an ergonomic keyboard is worthwhile in patients with long-term, work-related arm pain.

Authors

Ripat J. Giesbrecht E. Quanbury A. & Kelso S.

Institution

Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. ripatj@cc.umanitoba.ca

Title

Effectiveness of an ergonomic keyboard for typists with work related upper extremity disorders: a follow-up study.

Source

Work. 37(3):275-83, 2010 Jan 1.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether long-term use of an ergonomic keyboard was effective in reducing symptom severity and improving functional status for individuals who experience symptoms of work related upper extremity disorders (WRUED).

PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine symptomatic workers employed by a single company.

METHODS: Participants were assessed after using an ergonomic keyboard for an average of 34 months. Symptom severity, clinical signs, functional status, and typing speed were measured and compared with baseline and six-month study data.

RESULTS: Repeated-measure analysis identified that participants maintained the improvement realized at the six-month study mark for symptom severity and functional status, and maintained their typing speed and accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggest that continuous ergonomic keyboard use was effective in maintaining improvements obtained after six months of use. The potential for ergonomic keyboard use in preventing injury in keyboard operators warrants further investigation.

Publication Type

Journal Article.

PubMed Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20978334