05.Nov.2003
Richard Ames
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Health: MouseBean Ergonomic Hand Rest
An independent study has shown that three
out of four computer mouse users suffering
from workrelated
upper limb disorders (WRULDs) and painful
hands and wrists, found their symptoms
alleviated after only two weeks of using
the MouseBean Ergonomic Hand Rest. This
is important
news for the increasing number of computer
users suffering from WRULDs and for businesses
losing millions of working days each year
when sufferers have to take time off work
to recover from
these disabling conditions.
The independent study was conducted by John Ridd,
a consultant ergonomist specialising in
workplace design and musculoskeletal disorders. A
mixed group of typical computer mouse users
with self-reported hand, wrist and upper limb
musculoskeletal disorders, tested the MouseBean
Hand Rest in an office environment.
After using the MouseBean Hand Rest for only two
weeks, three out of four users found it effective
at reducing the symptoms of WRULDs. At the end of
the test phase, 85% of subjects said that they
would choose to continue using the MouseBean Hand
Rest if they could. John Ridd concludes:
"The study would suggest that, for many mouse users
suffering with hand or wrist pains,
there is a very real likelihood of reducing those
symptoms within two weeks of using the
MouseBean Hand Rest."
The MouseBean Hand Rest is very different to regular
wrist rests - it uses two soft pads to support
the hand in comfort and the curved base lets you
glide on the mouse mat with a relaxed arm and
shoulder. The pads form a gap under the hand,
helping to reduce pressure in the wrist and
protect
the delicate median nerve from the dangers of
poor posture.
Commenting on the gel-filled wrist rests currently
on the market, John Crocker, managing director
of MouseBean Limited says: "Although they feel soft,
some gel-filled wrist rests may be doing
more harm than good! Research has shown that they
can actually increase pressure in the wrist and
lead to nerve damage! We believe that the MouseBean
Hand Rest is the first device of its kind to
have undergone a comprehensive evaluation and are
naturally delighted with the results of the
independent study. Whilst three out of four mouse
users suffering from WRULDs found their
symptoms alleviated, we have anecdotal evidence to
suggest that the device may be preventing the
onset of some symptoms as we have no reports of
customers developing new hand or wrist
conditions since fitting the device to their mouse.
In addition, the majority find it so comfortable to
use that they don't want to go back to using a mouse
without it."
The independent study shows that the MouseBean Hand
Rest is one of the simplest and most
effective ergonomic aids for mouse users; it converts
a regular mouse into an ergonomic mouse.
Available in a wide variety of attractive colours, the
MouseBean Hand Rest can be attached (with
the simple plug and socket device supplied) to most
regular mice. It can also be customised with a
logo or made to match corporate colours. To order, visit
the website under the title link and click `How to
Buy'. Retail price from £6.99. (nba)
[News message: 05. Nov. 2003, 23:41] [Comments: 0]
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