Workplace use of an adjustable keyboard: Adjustment preferences and effect on wrist posture American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal; Akron; May/Jun 1999; Pat Tittiranonda;David Rempel;Thomas Armstrong;Stephen Burastero;

An evaluation of an adjustable keyboard based on subjective preference and wrist joint motion during typing is presented. Thirty-five computer users used the adjustable split design keyboard for 7-14 days during their usual work and were instructed to adjust the keyboard to the opening angle they preferred. At the end of this period, three-dimensional motion analysis was performed to compare the distribution of wrist joint angles while subjects typed on a conventional keyboard and the adjustable keyboard adjusted to the subject's preferred angle. The results are discussed in detail. [Headnote] This study presents an evaluation of an adjustable keyboard based on subjective preference and wrist joint motion during typing. Thirty-five computer users used the adjustable split design keyboard for 7-14 days during their usual work and were instructed to adjust the keyboard to the opening angle they preferred. At the end of this period, three-dimensional motion analysis was performed to compare the distribution of wrist joint angles while subjects typed on a conventional keyboard and the adjustable keyboard adjusted to the subject's preferred angle. The mean preferred opening angle was 14 deg + /- 10. The mean ulnar deviation of the subjects who selected the opening angles between 21 and 28 deg (n = 12) decreased from 18 deg +/- 5 on th