Longitudinal Study of the Effects of an Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard on Upper-Body Musculoskeletal Symptoms
(Pr, September 2002) By Alan Hedge, Mark Goldstein, Lawrence Hettinger, Cari Varner, Don SIlva, Jean Malafronte, and Chuck Goodyear
A recent Cornell University study performed by Dr. Alan Hedge and others examined the effects of the Goldtouch keyboard on upper-body musculoskeletal symptoms among 71 computer users. A total of 34 subjects used a standard, flat keyboard and 37 used the Goldtouch keyboard. Compared to baseline conditions where all users were using a standard keyboard, the use of the Goldtouch keyboard resulted in significant improvements in postural comfort for the neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, lower arms and hands.
Interviews with subjects after the study was finished indicated that the Goldtouch keyboard was enthusiastically accepted by over 80% of the subjects who used it. Of the 37 subjects using the Goldtouch keyboard, all but one was using the keyboard six months after the completion of the study.
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Effects of an Ergonomic Intervention On Musculoskeletal Discomfort Among Office Workers
(Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 45th Annual Meeting, October 2001) By Mary Rudakewych, Lisa Valent-Weitz and Alan Hedge
This study reports the effects of an ergonomic intervention in an office environment. Three hundres and fifty-six office workers received a negative-slope keyboard with upper mouse tray, an ergonomic chair, and ergonomics training. Before-and-after surveys were conducted to test the effectiveness of this ergonomic intervention. Results show that the ergonomic intervention reduced the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptions by an average of 40%.
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