The Effects of General Mouse and Ergonomic Vertical Mouse on the Muscle Activation of Shoulder and Wrist

Purpose: This study compared muscle activation in the wrist flexor and shoulder muscles when using a conventional mouse versus an ergonomic vertical mouse, and developed ergonomic guidelines to minimize the musculoskeletal disorder risk associated with mouse use. Methods:The study was conducted with 20 healthy young adults.The participants performed clicking and dragging tasks with a conventional mouse and an ergonomic vertical mouse, and the wrist and shoulder muscle activation was compared according to the mouse types.The muscle activity was recorded from the flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris, which contribute to wrist movement, as well as the upper trapezius and middle deltoid, which are involved in shoulder movement, to identify the effects of the mouse type on muscular demand.Results: Significant differences in muscle activation were observed in the upper trapezius and middle deltoid during the use of the conventional mouse and the ergonomic mouse (p < 0.05).In addition, the flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris in the wrist also showed significant differences in muscle activation between the two mouse types (p< 0.05).Conclusion: These findings provide important objective evidence supporting the use of an ergonomically designed mouse to prevent and manage musculoskeletal disorders associated with prolonged computer use.Based on these results, this study may help establish standards to improve occupational health environments and provide guidelines for selecting appropriate mouse devices.