A medical-ergonomic program for symptomatic keyboard/mouse users.

Abstract

To describe the range of ergonomic stressors and effective interventions in otherwise healthy patients diagnosed with upper extremity disorders associated with occupational keyboard/mouse use. From patients treated in our Medical-Ergonomic Program, we report demographic data, symptoms, signs, diagnoses and associated ergonomic stressors and response to medical/ergonomic interventions. Fifty-six patients had a mean age (range) of 40 (23-61) years with 20 patients younger than 35 years. The most prevalent diagnoses were myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of shoulder/neck associated with poor posture, MPS of forearm extensors followed by thoracic outlet syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome. Common ergonomic stressors were typing/mousing technique, keyboard height, inadequate seating, and lack of breaks. Improvement occurred in 89% following medical/ergonomic intervention. Ergonomic education/intervention must be combined with the medical treatment of work-related upper extremity disorders associated with keyboard/mouse use.