The time course of computer mouse work (old)

The time course of physiological and subjective responses to three designs of experimental computer mouse work

Extensive computer work is known to be a factor in the occurrence of pain in the forearm and shoulder muscles. The situation becomes worst if stress and/or fatigue are involved. Our earlier studies using a model of computer mouse use, entailing painting small rectangle on the computer screen, showed that time pressure and precision leads to a reduction in oxygenation of the forearm. A question that pops up is whether object size (i.e. rectangle painting) makes a difference in physiological expressions and the onset of fatigue. The relevance here is that anecdotally people experience more fatigue when working with smaller objects.

In this project we investigate the time course of fatigue and physiological responses during our computer mouse task using 3 different sizes of rectangles and/or different sensitivities of the computer mouse. Physiological measurements include muscle oxygenation, electromyography (EMG), electrocardiography and electrodermal activity.

This study may help provide impetus for ergonomic design involving human-computer interactions.
 

Responsible

Albert Crenshaw

Collaborators

Bente Jensen, Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Ulrika Aasa, Physiotherapy, Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umeå University

Researchers at CBF
Hans Richter and Eugene Lyskov