This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Marklin, R. W. Articles by Monroe, J. F. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Marklin, R. W. Articles by Monroe, J. F. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Wrist and Forearm Posture from Typing on Split and Vertically Inclined Computer Keyboards

Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Guy G. Simoneau

Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

John F. Monroe

Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A study was conducted on 90 experienced office workers to determine how commercially available alternative computer keyboards affected wrist and forearm posture. The alternative keyboards tested had the QWERTY layout of keys and were of three designs: split fixed angle, split adjustable angle, and vertically inclined (tilted or tented). When set up correctly, commercially available split keyboards reduced mean ulnar deviation of the right and left wrists from 12° to within 5° of a neutral position compared with a conventional keyboard. The finding that split keyboards place the wrist closer to a neutral posture in the radial/ulnar plane substantially reduces one occupational risk factor of workrelated musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs): ulnar deviation of the wrist. Applications of this research include commercially available computer keyboard designs that typists can use and ergonomists can recommend to their clients in order to minimize wrist ulnar deviation from typing.

Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Vol. 41, No. 4, 559-569 (1999)
DOI: 10.1518/001872099779656770


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				A. M. Anderson, G. A. Mirka, S. M. B. Joines, and D. B. Kaber Analysis of Alternative Keyboards Using Learning Curves Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, February 1, 2009; 51(1): 35 - 45. [Abstract] [PDF]

				D. Rempel The Split Keyboard: An Ergonomics Success Story Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, June 1, 2008; 50(3): 385 - 392. [Abstract] [PDF]

				A. D. Balakrishnan, D. L. Jindrich, and J. T. Dennerlein Keyswitch Orientation Can Reduce Finger Joint Torques During Tapping on a Computer Keyswitch Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, January 1, 2006; 48(1): 121 - 129. [Abstract] [PDF]

				G. G Simoneau, R. W Marklin, and J. E Berman Effect of Computer Keyboard Slope on Wrist Position and Forearm Electromyography of Typists Without Musculoskeletal Disorders Physical Therapy, September 1, 2003; 83(9): 816 - 830. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. J. Keir and R. P. Wells The Effect of Typing Posture on Wrist Extensor Muscle Loading Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, January 1, 2002; 44(3): 392 - 403. [Abstract] [PDF]

				R. W Marklin and G. G Simoneau Effect of Setup Configurations of Split Computer Keyboards on Wrist Angle Physical Therapy, April 1, 2001; 81(4): 1038 - 1048. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				G. G. Simoneau and R. W. Marklin Effect of Computer Keyboard Slope and Height on Wrist Extension Angle Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, January 1, 2001; 43(2): 287 - 298. [Abstract] [PDF]