Ergonomic Keyboards Computer Software Web Tips Guide
Ergonomic Keyboards Help Avoid Repetitive Injuries
By Joel Wannamaker
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the repetitive motion injuries
that affects hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. To
combat fatigue, tendon strain and wrist pain, ergonomic keyboards
were developed to change the shape and tilt of a conventional
keyboard.
However, one of the latest ergonomic tools developed by Peter
McAlindon actually eliminates the finger and wrist motions needed
to hit the keys. The "Keybowl" with its built-in mouse
has the user’s hands resting on two separate domes that slide
into eight positions to select letters and numbers.
Easy To Use And May Help To Reduce Injuries
Even though it’s a very strange type of keyboard to get used
to, McAlindon says, "The Keybowl is easy-to-use and may help
temper the growing worldwide problem of typing-related injuries.
This design and method have the potential to benefit all typists,
including those with temporary or permanent physical disabilities."
There are many other types of typing ergonomics products out there.
Reducing Risk Of Ulnar Deviation With A Split Keyboard
Split keyboards are one of the more popular designs because they
reduce ulnar deviation, which is a hand position where the wrist
is bent toward the little finger, contributing to the fatigue
of muscles, thumb-area tendons and wrist nerves.
A conventional keyboard requires users to strain to reach the
space bar and vertical columns of keys like "Home" or
"Page Up/Down." Split keyboards change the arrangement
of the keys, separating the keys into two halves elbow-width apart.
Initial Drop Off In Speed And Accuracy
Sometimes the angle is slightly changed to reduce ulnar deviation
further. After an initial drop-off in speed or accuracy, users
generally get used to this product design within a day or two.
Examples of split keyboards include The Kinesis FreestyleTM Adjustable
Split and the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.
Supportive ergonomic keyboards with built-in wrist or palm rests
and frontal support add comfort, reduce fatigue and prevent fluid
buildup in the joints. Research suggests that resting the wrists
on some kind of surface during key pauses reduces muscle activity
in the arms and shoulders, while contributing to straighter wrist
and back postures.
Do Not Use Wrist Rests While Typing
However, in some studies, there are certain ergonomic risk factors
of a design like this. One study indicated that convex wrist rests
concentrate pressure into a small area, which contributed to benign
cyst development in some users due to constant pressure on the
wrist from improper use. Many an ergonomic specialist recommends
only using the wrist rests while pausing, not during typing, to
avoid injury.
Choosing between the different types of ergonomic keyboards can
be difficult, when you review your options and since so much depends
upon personal preference. Slate Magazine recently tested six keyboards
for comfort and usability: Adesso Tru-Form Pro Contoured Ergonomic
Keyboard (rating: 15/30), Goldtouch Ergonomic Keyboard (rating:
16/30), Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 (rating: 20/30),
Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave (rating: 20/30), Kinesis Freestyle
VIP (rating: 22/30) and the Kinesis Advantage Ergonomic Keyboard
(rating: 25/30).
A Habit Changing Keyboard
In the end, they concluded that the Kinesis Advantage design
is "hands-down the most habit-changing keyboard on the market
today" because "if you’re using the keyboard correctly,
your hands barely have to move at all." With the customizable
foot pedal, capitalizing words has never been easier.
Admittedly, the $299 price tag is prohibitive for some people,
but it may be worth the investment if you need to reform your
ill-typing ways and protect your body from repetitive injuries.
About the Author:
Joel Wannamaker has written a number of articles on Ergonomics, Computers, Computer Hardware,
and Software including
Ergonomic Keyboards,
Ergonomic Workstation,
Internet Connection Speed,
Internet Traffic,
Start A Website,
Affiliate Programs.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.
Give Me Just The Ergonomic Facts.....
Chances are really good that you are sitting at a desk in front
of a computer reading this. Take a moment to look around. Do you
notice the keyboard and the mouse? What about any file cabinets
that is near you?
Where is your phone located? You may not pay much attention to
these little things as you get your work done but over time those
little objects, and where they are located, can make a great deal
of difference.
Ergonomics is very important in keeping you in the best shape
possible as well as keeping things that you use immediately near
you. If you have to continuously stretch to reach the phone then
your desk is not ergonomically situated correctly.
This can be a bit confusing but this article can clear up some
of the questions you may have and it just might make you a more
productive worker.
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