An ergonomic computer mouse is designed to offer a more comfortable and natural hand position while using a computer. It can help alleviate hand, wrist, and forearm pain by reducing strain on these areas.
Several studies have established a correlation between carpal tunnel syndrome and full-time office work. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in 2018 found that office workers had a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome compared to non-office workers. The repetitive hand movements, prolonged keyboard and mouse usage, and poor ergonomic setup were identified as major factors contributing to this increased risk.
Ergonomic computer mice have features such as a contoured shape, a vertical design,
or a trackball, which allow for a more neutral and relaxed hand and wrist position. This helps to distribute the pressure evenly and reduce the strain on the muscles, tendons, and nerves in the hand, wrist, and forearm.
The benefits of ergonomic mice have been demonstrated in studies. For instance, a research article published in the Journal of Human Kinetics in 2019 compared the effects of using a traditional mouse and an ergonomic mouse on hand and wrist pain. The study found that participants who used an ergonomic mouse reported significantly reduced pain and lower disability scores compared to those who used a traditional mouse.