Office Ergonomics: Your Mouse and other Pointers
Other Topics: Chair | Keyboard Tray | Monitor and Copyholder
This fact sheet provides helpful advice on selecting and using a pointer (e.g. mouse). Choosing the right pointer can help make you more comfortable and productive, and may also help prevent injury.
Types of Pointers
There are a wide variety of pointers available including the types listed and discussed below:
- Mouse
- Rollerbar
- Trackball
- Touchpad
- Pen and Tablet
- Joystick/Vertical
- Specialty devices
Mouse – The traditional mouse is still the most widely used and is adequate for many users. Some models now include the following features to better suit different users:
- Left- or right-handed design.
- Variety of hand sizes.
- Tilt, for a more comfortable grip.
- A third button or other programmable features to eliminate double clicks or perform other functions.
- Scrolling wheels/buttons
Rollerbar – Rollerbar pointers have some advantages over the traditional mouse:
- Two Handed Use - Although the roller bar can be used with a single hand, it is better suited for two hands. Using two hands lessons the strain on a single hand.
- Centrally Positioned - they allow the user to do pointing and clicking tasks with hands at the midline of the body, reducing strain on the shoulders from reaching to the side.
- Use requires minimal wrist motions, which may benefit some users.
- Additional buttons are available that eliminate double clicks and assist with scrolling and highlighting.
Trackballs reduce wrist motion and can encourage whole arm motions (especially if the ball is large). Programmable buttons are available on some models that can assist with some tasks.
Touch pads move the cursor by touching a flat panel. Clicking can be done by tapping the panel or by using buttons. If they are built into the keyboard (as on a laptop) or located centrally, they allow the user to do most of the pointing tasks with hands at the midline of the body, reducing strain on the shoulders from reaching to the side. Most models incorporate a number of useful features, such as easy scrolling in any direction. Two hands can be used on most models to reduce strain on a single hand.
Pen and tablet devices allow the user to keep the forearm in a low stress position. The cursor is controlled with a pen that is equipped with a programmable button.
Joystick/Vertical type mice keep the forearm in a low stress position. The cursor is controlled by moving the pointer (similar to the mouse) but promotes use of the larger muscles of the arm and shoulder.
Specialty pointers are available that use foot controls, voice controls, or are specifically designed for people with disabilities/injuries.
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How should I choose a pointer?
- There are a wide variety of pointers available. Choosing the one that is right for you is a strongly individual matter. It should be comfortable. You should also consider:
- The type and intensity of the work you perform;
- The size of your hand and the hand(s) you will use;
- Any existing physical discomfort you may be experiencing.
- The best way to tell which pointer suits you and your needs is to try different types.
- People with an injury or disability should consult their doctors for recommendations about specific pointers.
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How should I position the pointer?
It depends on which one you use, but some general guidelines apply to most:
- The pointer should be positioned directly adjacent to the keyboard (at either side or in front), to avoid a long reach.
- The pointer should be at approximately the same height as the keyboard.
- Some pointers can be moved closer to you by using a mouse bridge. The mouse bridge is a simple platform that can be placed over the numeric pad on most keyboards.
- Consider using keyboard commands to reduce the use of your pointer when possible.
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What if I experience discomfort while using my pointer?
It depends on which one you use, but some general guidelines apply to most:
- Evaluate your workstation:
- First review the way your computer is set up (see office ergonomics for chairs, keyboard trays, and monitors and copyholders).
- Follow the general guidance (above) regarding positioning of your pointer.
- Try a different pointer to see there is a more suitable one for you.
- Reduce your use of pointers. Many pointing functions can be duplicated with key commands, which use very different patterns of hand and arm movements.
If you experience pain or your discomfort persists, speak with your employer/health and safety unit, consult a qualified ergonomist, or see an occupational health physician.
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