The Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Ergonomics. 2013;56(1):59-68. doi: 10.1080/00140139.2012.733735. Epub 2012 Nov 12.
A pilot study examined the effectiveness of a biofeedback mouse in reducing upper extremity pain and discomfort in office workers; in addition, relative mouse use (RMU), satisfaction and the feasibility of running a randomised controlled trial (RCT) in a workplace setting were evaluated. The mouse would gently vibrate if the hand was idle for more than 12 s. The feedback reminded users to rest the arm in neutral, supported postures. Analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in shoulder pain and discomfort for the intervention group at T2 (38.7% lower than controls). Statistically significant differences in RMU time between groups were seen post intervention (-7% at T1 and +15% at T2 for the intervention group). Fifty-five percent of the intervention group was willing to continue using the mouse. It appears feasible to perform an RCT for this type of intervention in a workplace setting. Further study including more participants is suggested.
The study findings support the feasibility of conducting randomised control trials in office settings to evaluate ergonomics interventions. The intervention resulted in reduced pain and discomfort in the shoulder. The intervention could be a relevant tool in the reduction of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder. Further research will better explain the study's preliminary findings.
目的：本研究旨在考察生物反馈鼠标在减轻办公人员上肢疼痛和不适方面的有效性，同时评估相对鼠标使用量（RMU）、满意度以及在工作场所开展随机对照试验（RCT）的可行性。如果手闲置超过 12 秒，鼠标会轻轻振动。该反馈提醒用户将手臂置于中立、支撑的姿势休息。结果显示，干预组在 T2 时肩部疼痛和不适明显减轻（比对照组低 38.7%）。干预后，组间 RMU 时间有显著差异（干预组 T1 时减少 7%，T2 时增加 15%）。55%的干预组愿意继续使用鼠标。看来在工作场所开展此类干预的 RCT 是可行的。建议进一步增加参与者开展研究。
结论：研究结果支持在办公环境中开展 RCT 以评估工效学干预的可行性。该干预措施可减轻肩部疼痛和不适。该干预措施可能是减少上肢肌肉骨骼疾病的一种相关工具。进一步的研究将更好地解释研究的初步发现。
