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Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

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  • Title: Influence of arm and wrist support on forearm and back muscle activity in computer keyboard operation.
    Author: Nag PK, Pal S, Nag A, Vyas H.
    Journal: Appl Ergon; 2009 Mar; 40(2):286-91. PubMed ID: 18508029.
    Abstract:
    The effects of forearm and wrist supports on the upper extremity postures in computer keying tasks and associated EMG activity of arm and back muscles were examined (N = 8). Four positions were forearms unsupported (floating) and supported, wrists supported by bead packed (WR1) and gel-filled (WR2) wrist rest. The right and left elbow extensions were 65 degrees and 68 degrees , respectively, in unsupported forearms. Bilateral elbow extension increased with the forearm/wrist supports and mostly, the elbow was maintained at around 90 degrees or greater. The wrist extension decreased with forearm/wrist supports over the unsupported condition. The forearm support significantly reduced the activity of forearm extensor digitorum, i.e., right (F((1, 47)) = 12.19, p < 0.01) and left (F((1, 47)) = 5.38, p < 0.05) and upper trapezius muscles over the floating posture. Wrist rests, however, increased load on the upper trapezius; the activities of flexor digitorum superficialis and erector spinae were close to the resting EMG activity for both forearm and/or wrist support. The type of wrist rests was a concern and this study indicated that the gel filled wrist rest was advantageous in reducing the forearm muscle load, in comparison to the bead packed cushions.
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