Arm support prevents pain in computer users

Forearm boards and training in ergonomics can prevent injuries and pain in people who use computers, new research shows.

Musculoskeletal disorders involving neck pain, shoulder pain and arm pain are common in workers who use computers, according to scientists at the University of California, San Francisco. They conducted a one-year study of 182 employees at a call center who used computers at least 20 hours a week.
The volunteers were randomly assigned to one of four groups: ergonomics training, training plus replacement of a computer mouse with a trackball, training plus a large forearm board attached to the front of the work surface, or training plus a forearm board and trackball. Weekly questionnaires assessed pain, and physical examinations by a physician detected new musculoskeletal problems.

The researchers found that the trackball did not help but that the forearm support helped prevent neck and shoulder disorders and reduced pain the neck, shoulders and right arm. A cost-benefit analysis showed a forearm board would pay for itself in about 11 months. They concluded that large forearm supports and training in ergonomics could prevent musculoskeletal disorders and pain in the upper body of computer workers.