Mouse wrist rests comparison and their relation with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) factors

Nancy I Arana, University of Texas at El Paso

Abstract

Some studies have determined that wrist rests allow the most neutral wrist posture. Currently there is a huge variety of mouse wrist rests (MWR's) on the market. However, there does not seem to be any valid studies that address a comparison between the different types of wrist rests. The objective of this study was to compare four different mouse wrist rests, chosen as a representation of the ones on the market, and try to determine which mouse wrist rests characteristics are better to avoid CTS risk factors and more comfortable based on flexion/extension and ulnar/radial deviation angles measurements, anthropometric measurements, and perceived subject's strain and discomfort. A group of twenty-two Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Students (12 males and 10 females) participated in a laboratory study to compare the mouse wrist rests. The participants performed a 5 minute computerized task with each mouse wrist rest. Throughout the tests, wrist angles were measured with a twin axis electrogoniometer. The wrist rest that presented lower flexion/extension mean angle was the Easy Glide Gel Filled Wrist Rest and Mouse Pad™ but was also the wrist rest with the highest mean ulnar/radial deviation angles. The one that showed the highest flexion/extension average angle is the SoftSpot Vantage Economy Mouse Pad and Wrist Rest™. The Gel Crystals Flex Rest Wrist Rest™ had the lower ulnar/radial deviation angles. The Easy Glide Gel Filled Wrist Rest and Mouse Pad™ was the one with the higher scores related to strain severity; also this wrist rest was scored by the participants as the least comfortable. The most comfortable wrist rests were the Gel Crystals Flex Rest Wrist Rest™ and the SoftSpot Vantage Economy Mouse Pad and Wrist Rest™ both with the same scores. Based on these results it is impossible to pinpoint exactly one wrist rest as the best because some characteristics are better to avoid radial/ulnar deviation angles and others to avoid flexion/extension angles.

Subject Area

Industrial engineering|Rehabilitation|Therapy|Anatomy & physiology|Animals|Occupational safety

Recommended Citation

Arana, Nancy I, "Mouse wrist rests comparison and their relation with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) factors" (2005). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI1430223.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI1430223

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