Pointers on Your Pointing Device

 

Contents: Introduction A Well-Designed Workstation Reduces Awkward Postures Reaching Can Strain Neck and Shoulders Good Technique Reduces Injury Risk Reduced Repetition Prevents Fatigue One Pointing Device Does Not Fit All Checklist for Choosing a Pointing Device Campus Resources for Computer Users

 

Introduction
Many of today’s computers require the use of a “pointing device” such as a mouse or trackball. The aches and pains associated with pointing devices have sent many users in search of the “perfect” device.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t exist!

It is important to realize that pointing device problems are not necessarily caused by the device itself, but by the small, repetitive movements they require. Your workstation set-up, your posture at the keyboard and your pointing technique also weigh in. So before rushing out to buy a new pointing device, consider these pointers first:

A Well-designed Workstation Reduces Awkward Postures

• Place your pointing device right next to, and at the same level as, your keyboard.
  

• Use a keyboard tray or computer table that is long enough to hold both your keyboard and your pointing device.
  
  

• Make sure your keyboard and pointing device are at elbow height. Reaching for a pointing device placed at a higher level on the desk will put more stress on your arm and shoulder.

If your keyboard tray is too small:

Attach an upside-down clipboard to one side of the tray. This will provide a platform for your pointing device. Try a “mouse bridge” if you do not use the numeric keypad on your keyboard. A mouse bridge is a platform placed over the number pad where you can put your pointing device. There are different styles available depending on your keyboard design. Put your keyboard and pointing device on top of your desk or work surface. Raise your chair, if necessary, to get the pointing device at elbow height. If your feet don’t touch the floor, use a footrest.

One solution: A mouse bridge over your numeric keypad.

Reaching Can Strain Neck and Shoulders

To prevent strain in your neck and shoulders, keep your elbows near your body and your forearms approximately parallel to the floor. Extending your arms away from your body can place stress on the neck and shoulder area. To maintain a safe and comfortable posture while using your pointing device, you should:

• Avoid reaching by moving as close as possible to the keyboard and pointing device. Remove a desk drawer or chair arms if they prevent you from moving in close.
  
• Don’t store things under your desk. This can limit leg room and push you further away from your computer.
• Try using your pointing device with your left hand. Because there is no number pad on the left side of the keyboard, you can bring the pointing device even closer.

Avoid reaching!		Maintain a safe and comfortable posture.

Good Technique Reduces Injury Risk

The fine, sustained movements needed to move a pointing device may put stress on your hand, wrist, forearm, or shoulder. Techniques to reduce sustained, awkward and/or forceful movements can reduce your risk of injury. 

• Don’t squeeze! Drape your hand gently over your pointing device, holding it lightly with all fingers slightly curved. Let go when you’re not using your pointing device.
• Click with as little force as possible.
• Keep your wrist straight. Don’t bend your wrist up, down, or sideways. Watch out for pointing devices that force you to angle your hand up (like big trackballs). Use a foam wedge or stack some mouse pads under the end of the device, if needed, to position it so that you can keep your wrist straight.
• Don’t plant your wrist or forearm on the chair arm or desk top. This automatically forces you to bend your wrist to move your pointing device. Use your whole arm and shoulder to move the pointing device instead.
• Dragging with your mouse requires more force than clicking. Find other ways to perform functions requiring dragging, such as keyboard shortcuts. Most software programs provide a list of keyboard shortcuts under HELP.

Above: Correct: Keep you wrist striaght Below: Incorrect: Don't bend your wrist!

Reduced Repetition Prevents Fatigue

• Take 5! Take a 5-minute break away from your computer every half hour. Try some stretches or perform another task that does not use the hand/arm in the same repetitive manner as the pointing device. For example, stand and use the telephone, do some photocopying, or check your mailbox.
• Switch hands. Alternate using your pointing device between the right and left hands. You may be slower at first with your “other” hand, but you’ll be up to speed in a matter of weeks or even less. Your computer has a “control panel” setting to switch your pointing device back and forth from right to left-handed. Use a pointing device that is not contoured to fit only one hand.
• Use keyboard shortcuts instead of your pointing device for commonly used functions. When keyboarding, the work is distributed over two hands. With pointing device work, repetitious movements are concentrated in one.
• Program your pointing device to perform commonly used commands with fewer clicks and movements, if possible.  Some pointing devices have programmable software that allows you to click once for such commands as double click, drag lock, or pop-up menus.

Campus Resources for Computer Users Computer equipment, including pointing devices.  Call The Scholar’s Workstation at (510) 642-8424. Computer training and keyboard shortcuts, visit the CalPACT website. Eye exams for computer users.  Call the Computer Eye Clinic at (510) 642-2020. Medical care for work-related medical problems related to computer use.  Call the Occupational Health Clinic at (510) 642-6891 for an appointment. Workshops and educational materials on computer health issues, workstation design, and alternative pointing devices.  Call Ergonomics@Work at (510) 642-8410. Workstation furniture & accessories. Call Campus Furniture at 877-722-9090 for an appointment.

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