Do ergonomic keyboards work?

Citation

(2002), "Do ergonomic keyboards work?", Work Study, Vol. 51 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ws.2002.07951aaf.004

Do ergonomic keyboards work?

Do ergonomic keyboards work?

Doubts surround the benefits of ergonomic keyboards in preventing repetitive strain injuries at work, according to a recent BBC report.

BBC News Online's technology correspondent, Mark Ward, said: "Work is bad for you, for all kinds of reasons. It forces you to meet its schedule, separates you from your loved ones for too long, and can inflict all manner of indignities, not least of which is the range of ailments classed as repetitive strain disorders. Recent studies show that almost 40 percent of workers in The Netherlands reported pain in their upper-neck and limbs that they attributed to conditions in their workplace; and 17 percent of the UK workers report similar problems.

"But", he added, "experts find it hard to agree on just what is covered by the term 'upper-limb disorder:' … It is a portmanteau term covering a wide range of inflammatory and degenerative maladies and disorders including tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain's disease, myalgia, Reynaud's Syndrome and bursitis. In total, 21 disorders or conditions fall under the definition. The situation is further complicated by the fact that it often proves impossible to identify from which particular condition a person is suffering."

Can ergonomic computer keyboards help? Mark Ward suggests that there are doubts: "There are many different types of supposedly 'ergonomic' keyboards that reduce the risk of suffering a work-related upper-limb disorder, and make it easier to type and interact with your computer. Some are split in half to make it easier to reach the keys, others place the keys on shaped panels, so that your fingers can touch them more readily, and others simply rearrange the letters. Still others install a soft bar between you and the keyboard to ensure that your wrist stays straight while you type.

"It is even possible to buy software that reminds you to take regular breaks and gives on-screen examples of the exercises you can do to stretch and protect against carpal tunnel syndrome.

"But, as ergonomists admit, there is no hard evidence that these keyboards help at all, for the very simple reason that keyboards are now being seen as only one among many causes of these disorders."

Professor Buckle of the Robens Centre for Health Ergonomics at the University of Surrey, reports a similar view: "Ergonomic keyboards overcome some of the problems, but not all of them. If the keyboard effects change in posture, this can lessen the risk that someone will go on to develop an upper-limb disorder. But it won't remove the risk entirely."

So, find an ergonomic keyboard that suits you, and use it – but take other preventive measures too!