Ergonomics of Using a Mouse or Other Non-Keyboard Input Device

This report is taken from findings from a two-year study investigating health problems associated with use of non-keyboard input devices (NKID) are presented.

The research used a combination of methods to determine the extent to which different NKID are in use, how they are used and problems that result.

Evidence was collected through a literature review; questionnaire survey of 128 IT and health and safety managers; workplace assessments involving interviews and observation with 45 users across 9 different companies; a questionnaire survey of 848 users (3500 questionnaires issued, 24 per cent response rate); and laboratory work including an expert assessment of different devices, a laboratory trial comparing traditional and L-shaped desks with three different arm support conditions, and a case study investigating touch screen use.