Awkward postures during computer keyboard use have been hypothesized to be one cause of musculoskeletal pain/discomfort as well as musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity (MSD-UE). Alternative computer keyboards purport to reduce musculoskeletal pain/discomfort and have been shown to change aspects of keyboard users'kinematics under laboratory conditions. However, research that has examined the effectiveness of alternative keyboards in reducing musculoskeletal pain/discomfort in the workplace is equivocal, and no study has examined the association between changes in kinematics and changes in musculoskeletal pain/discomfort.
The Aims of this 3-year prospective double cross-over trial are: 1) to examine the effects of the long-term use of two alternative keyboards on changes in reports of musculoskeletal pain/discomfort and kinematics in comparison to a standard keyboard;2) to identify which postures and other kinematics variables are associatied with reductions in musculoskeletal pain/discomfort. Seventy-five computer users will be randomly assigned to one of three keyboard use orders: Group 1 - ABC (standard keyboard, fixed angle keyboard, adjustable angle keyboard);Group 2 - BCA (fixed angle keyboard, adjustable angle keyboard, standard keyboard);or Group 3 - CAB (adjustable angle keyboard, standard keyboard, fixed angle keyboard). All subjects will use their assigned keyboards for 4-months before switching to the next keyboard. Every week, subjects will report their musculoskeletal discomfort levels. Just prior to and just after each 4-month intervention subjects'kinematics performances on the keyboards will be recorded in a laboratory setting using 3-dimensional motion capture technology. Relevance: Given the lack of research on alternative keyboards, we cannot determine: 1) whether the implementation of alternative keyboards causes a long term change in keyboarding kinematics;or 2) whether the implementation of alternative keyboards causes a reduction in musculoskeletal pain/discomfort. Without the answers to these questions, we can not adequately judge whether alternative keyboards actual reduce musculoskeletal pain/discomfort or prevent MSD-UE, as is being advertised to the public. The effectiveness of alternative keyboards must be verified to ensure that they are providing interventions that will reduce musculoskeletal pain/discomfort and potentially prevent MSD-UE.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01OH008961-03
Application #
7860342
Study Section
Safety and Occupational Health Study Section (SOH)
Program Officer
Frederick, Linda J
Project Start
2008-09-01
Project End
2013-08-31
Budget Start
2010-09-01
Budget End
2013-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$218,435
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Other Health Professions
Type
Schools of Allied Health Profes
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
Baker, Nancy A; Moehling, Krissy K; Park, Seo Young (2015) The effect of an alternative keyboard on musculoskeletal discomfort: A randomized cross-over trial. Work 50:677-86
Baker, Nancy A; Jacobs, Karen (2014) The feasibility and accuracy of using a remote method to assess computer workstations. Hum Factors 56:784-8
Baker, Nancy A; Xiu, Kaihua; Moehling, Krissy et al. (2013) Dynamic postures of the transverse metacarpal arch during typing. J Appl Biomech 29:810-6
Baker, Nancy A; Moehling, Krissy (2013) The relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms, postures and the fit between workers' anthropometrics and their computer workstation configuration. Work 46:3-10
Baker, Nancy A; Livengood, Heather; Jacobs, Karen (2013) Reliability and concurrent validity of the computer workstation checklist. Work 45:213-21