Seating Ergonomics Home

Ergonomic Work Surface Setup

Ergonomic Monitor Setup

Ergonomic Posture Setup

Ergonomic Keyboard Use

Ergonomic Mouse Use

Ergonomic Mouse Use

Mice.

It is very important to use your mouse ergonomically.

It is believed by many researchers that by keeping your wrist and hand in line with your forearm in a straight and neutral position, you reduce stress and strain on tendons and muscles.

When cradling the mouse, use your index and middle fingers for clicking the right and left mouse buttons, respectively.

Make sure, when handling the mouse, to keep your hand in a straight line with your forearm, and not surrender to any urge to bend the palm at the writs; either to the left or right, or up or down.

If your wrists form an unhealthy angle when using the mouse, it can easily cause many aches and pains, as well as joint and/or tendon infections.

Even though there is no problem using a standard mouse in a correct and healthy way, several new models of ergonomic mice have been designed. The most successful ergonomic mice of all time are, of course, the tracking ball mice series by Logitech, which is used by moving a ball by one’s thumb instead moving the entire mouse. There are some newer advances, such as the joystick styled mouse by 3M and the new patented Evoluent mouse.

Some ergonomic practical tips:

• The mouse should be held loosely and should fit naturally under the palm of your hand. Avoid the use of a wrist pad.
• Movement of the mouse should come from the whole arm and shoulder, not just the wrist.
• The mouse should be positioned at the same height as the keyboard and directly adjacent to avoid reaching (if there is at a wider angle than 110 degrees between your arm and forearm, this is considered reaching).
• Avoid holding the index finger elevated between clicks.