Intensive mouse use is harmful to health
Intensive mouse use is harmful to health
Intensive computer use appears to be associated with hand, arm, neck and shoulder symptoms, with mouse work worse for health then general computer use. A review of the occupational health literature by Dutch researchers found nine relevant articles, of which six were rated as high quality. On the basis of the evidence presented in these papers, the researchers concluded there was moderate evidence linking mouse use and hand-arm symptoms, with the likelihood of symptoms increasing with use in a 'dose-response' relationship. The evidence was less strong for neck and shoulder symptoms and for total computer and keyboard use. The study, published online last month in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, concludes more research is needed 'to improve our understanding of safe levels of computer use by measuring the duration of computer use in a more objective way, differentiating between total computer use, mouse use and keyboard use, attaining sufficient exposure contrast, and collecting data on disability caused by symptoms.'
- Stefan IJmker and others. Should office workers spend fewer hours at their computer? A systematic review of the literature, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, published online 9 November 2006. doi:10.1136/oem.2006.026468 [abstract]. ETUI-REHS news alert.
- Hazards computer workstations checklists webpage.
Stay Updated
Want to hear about our latest news and blogs?
Sign up now to get it straight to your inbox