| Your chair is an important piece to having an | | | | at a height that allows the upper arm to hang |
| ergonomic workstation. Chairs with 5 legs for | | | | relaxed from the shoulder, and with a "neutral" |
| stability, adjustable height, angle and back support | | | | wrist position. Place the mouse so the cord and |
| is ideal. The seat depth should be 17-20 inches. It | | | | items on the desk do not limit movement. To |
| needs a rounded front edge including a slight | | | | reduce tendon strain and stress try alternating |
| downward slope (to prevent loss of circulation in | | | | mouse types. |
| the thighs) and tilt 3° forward or 4° | | | | Consider different-sized devices for different hand |
| backwards. The backrest lumbar support should | | | | sizes. The device should be shaped to minimize |
| adjust to 5-10 inches above the seat maintaining | | | | bent wrist postures and/or support the forearm |
| the natural "S" curve of the spine. | | | | on a raised smooth surface that will allow for a |
| While seated back in the chair fully, the lumbar | | | | comfortable wrist position. |
| should make contact with the seat back and allow | | | | Mouse buttons should be located to avoid |
| the feet to rest flat on the floor. The ideal | | | | awkward finger and hand postures. The button |
| posture is upright with the hips at a 90° | | | | click force should not cause fatigue or be so light |
| angle to the legs and thighs parallel to the floor- | | | | buttons are clicked inadvertently. Improper button |
| use a footrest if necessary. Elbows should be at a | | | | force leads users to hold fingers up and away. |
| 90° angle, with the arms hanging naturally at | | | | This tendency causes static loading of muscles. |
| the sides. The forearms need to be straight or | | | | Hold the mouse in a relaxed manner, do not grip |
| bent slightly up. The hands should be in line with | | | | tightly, and move it from the shoulder rather than |
| the forearms, so wrists are straight, when fingers | | | | the wrist. This distributes muscular demands |
| are on the home row of the keyboard. | | | | better reducing wrist movements and static |
| Armrests are optional and should be adjustable. | | | | loading. |
| Have the armrests removed if they do not allow | | | | Lighting |
| for close proximity to the desk. Do not rest arms | | | | Studies have shown inadequate light can affect |
| on the armrests while typing. | | | | mood and stress levels which translates into |
| Keyboards and the Mouse | | | | decreased productivity. Therefore, a well-planned |
| Keyboard designs include split, curved, or rotated. | | | | office with proper light will reduce or minimize |
| Alternating keyboard designs can reduce tendon | | | | computer screen glare and eye strain. The |
| stress in the fingers and wrist. Adjust the tilt of | | | | preferred source of lighting is natural sunlight. If |
| the keyboard trying different angles to see what | | | | the home layout does not allow for natural |
| is most comfortable; alter keyboard height if | | | | sunlight there are several alternatives available, for |
| required. | | | | example, light bulb selection and office |
| A mouse is either mechanical or optical. Types of | | | | décor. |
| mouse devices available include wheel or scroll, | | | | There are many light bulbs on the market today |
| cordless, roller ball, and joystick. A mouse should | | | | designed to improve lighting in the home and |
| be placed as close to the users side as possible, | | | | work place. |