Mice & Pointing Devices

For many computer users, muscular pain and discomfort is often attributed to the use of a mouse or similar pointing device. The design of the device, the placement of it on the work surface and the technique adopted by the user (e.g. the tightness of the grip) are all important factors you need to consider. Users should be encouraged to reduce their use of pointing devices as much as possible.

When using a mouse, care should be taken to avoid postures with fingers ‘hovering’ over the mouse controls as these postures require sustained contraction of the muscles of the fingers and hand, which can contribute to discomfort. Ideally, the hand should be taken off the mouse when not in use, or the hand should be relaxed and supported.

Where a computer user has a physical condition that is worsened by mouse use, and the use of a mouse can’t be avoided, you can:

• Consider changing the hand used to control the mouse;
• Encourage regular changes in posture;
• Consider other software options, such as voice-recognition software or keyboard short cuts;
• Consider an alternative pointing device. For certain tasks (e.g. graphics-based tasks) or to accommodate particular user characteristics (e.g. large hands), these may be more appropriate.

Position

The mouse should be positioned so there is a minimum distance of 150mm between the mouse and the front edge of the desk to allow forearm support. The arm used to operate the mouse should be relaxed and close to the side of the body. The mouse should be at the same depth and at a similar height to the keyboard.

As the numeric keypads of most keyboards are to the right of the alphabetic keys, right-handed use of the mouse pushes the mouse to the extreme right of the work surface. Alphabetic- only keyboards allow a more midline position. Consideration should also be given to left-handed mouse use, to the left of the keyboard.

Download the full computer guidelines brochure here.