Independent research: 25% less mousetime

• dinsdag 06 juni 2006 21:59
• Laatste aanpassing donderdag 30 oktober 2008 22:02
• Geschreven door Administrator

A renowned Dutch independent research institute (TNO) has conducted a study on the benefits of the Hoverstop Mouse. The hand is on the mouse 25% less time, the muscle tension is considerably lower and there are more frequent and longer beneficial microbreaks. Quality and speed of tasks remained the same; productivity is not reduced by these breaks. TNO concludes that Hoverstop is a very promising preventative measure in the combat against RSI, MSD (computer related working diseases).

Results of research by Dutch research institute TNO show that the behavior of computer users can be influenced using feedback provided by input devices, for example a vibrating mouse, without affecting productivity.

Mouse use plays an important role in the prevention of health problems of the neck and upper limb during intensive computer use. This knowledge can be used to develop new intelligent input devices to reduce and prevent the development of health problems.

Mouse observes unhealthy behavior

Hoverstop BV developed a mouse with a vibrating signal. The signal occurs if a user holds the hand on or above the mouse without actively using it for more than 10 seconds (hovering). The signal reminds the user to remove the hand and relax it on the desk. This reduces the total duration of mouse use which is favorable for prevention of neck and upper limb symptoms. The vibrating mouse will also result in a more varied, dynamic use of the lower-arm muscles.

The vibrating mouse does not disturb work

Results of the laboratory as well as the field study show that the vibrating mouse reduced mouse holding time by 24%, while the speed and quality of performed tasks remained unchanged. Therefore, the working tasks are not disturbed by the he vibration signals.

The computer users varied in opinion on the user friendliness of the vibrating mouse. The results show that the vibrating mouse is a promising instrument for prevention of RSI-complaints.

Currently a large scale RCT field study (over 400 workers) is being conducted by the Dutch Coronel Institute for Work and Health.