Are you a full-time corporate employee, which requires you to work on a PC and a mouse that you click more than a thousand times in a go? Do you wish things could get better? Get to know the ins and outs of proper mouse ergonomics according to a certified ergonomist.
The mouse on a PC station at your work desk is one of the most used office staples, and hence a lot of your body’s mechanical energy goes into the whole clicking process. If the mouse you’re using is not a comfortable device, the buttons exert more pressure from your fingers, and the gadget causes hassle while operating it, it’s going to drain your energy, sabotaging your overall performance thereby. Hence, it’s necessary that you either buy an ergonomic mouse for work or get some advice from a certified ergonomist so that you can make the best out of your available resources.
Here’s what an expert ergonomist has in the room as advice about proper mice ergonomics:
Mouse Shape
Top ergonomists advise reducing wrist tension as much as possible. For that, you must use a flat mouse that is designed symmetrically, allowing the mouse to be comfortably moved around.
Don’t Restrict Circulation
Ergonomists emphasize movements that do not restrict your blood circulation in the arms as it may lead to severe injuries. Please do your best to keep the movement stress away from your wrists so that the blood keeps circulating, as it should.
Grip
Ergonomists suggest avoiding unnecessary strain on your wrist, hand, and fingers. So, practice having a moderate grip over the gadget, and never go too hard. Be gentle while rolling it over the mouse pad/rolling surface.
Pivot From The Elbow
As per expert ergonomic advice, the best position is to use the elbow as the pivot to operate the mouse. It’s essential to place your wrist in a neutral position. When you treat the wrist as a pivot, it will disturb its neutral position.
Optimal Position
An optimal position for using the mouse should be at a point where your hand is just above the elbow. It begins when you sit back in your chair comfortably and place your arms in a relaxing position. Then lift the hand to use the mouse, treating the elbow as the pivot.
Don’t Stop Arm Movement
Wherever you’re seated, make sure that you have ample room to make arm movements. Ergonomists suggest so because pivoting at the elbow fwhen using the mouse requires stress-free arm movements. Not allowing enough space for your arms to move or restricting the arm movements on purpose sets your mouse movements through the wrist, which is a bad way to go about it.
Best To Have The Mouse Moving Free
You need ample room for the mouse to move freely just as you need it for your arm movement. Ensure the mousing surface is decently spacious and doesn’t constrict your activity from the arm, creating stress on your elbow.
Final Thoughts
It’s best to be informed about the product you’re using than how you’re using it. An incorrect position or a mouse with an unsuitable mouse model poses risk of severe injuries and may sabotage your work to a great extent.
