Can a vertical mouse help improve workplace ergonomics?
We were not made to hold a mouse all day. Between the pressure on our wrist and the awkward positions, using a mouse for some four to six hours a day can cause discomfort and possibly tendonitis. When grasping a generic mouse our palms and wrist rest on the mouse and we feel stress on our joints. When not in a neutral position or when having to reach for our mouse, the pressure on our joints becomes more pronounced. Additionally, when using a regular mouse the bones of our forearm twist (see the picture below). This places added stress on the joints and keeps the forearm in a non-neutral position, eventually contributing to discomfort.
In order to correct this position, I will often recommend the evoluent vertical mouse. This mouse allows the user to decrease the amount of pressure placed on their palm and wrist. Instead of constantly moving the wrist and fingers, which contributes to tendonitis, force is distributed more equally between the shoulders, forearm, and hands. The forearm and hands are placed in a relaxed “handshake” position, preventing discomfort and injury.
Please remember that in addition to using a vertical mouse the user should continue to place themselves in a position where their wrist and forearm are aligned and in the neutral position. The user should not have to reach very far for the mouse as well (for further details on the correct position of your wrist when using the mouse, see my post here).
The evoluent mouse comes in two sizes: small and regular. If there are 7 inches or more between the tip of middle finger and the wrist crease, the regular size is you. The small size are for hands smaller than 7 inches. You can also print out the following page and place your hand in the picture to determine which size will fit you best. You also must inform the seller if you are right handed or left handed as the mouse is customized to the hand you use the mouse with.