The position of a standard optical computer mouse affects cardiorespiratory responses during the operation of a computer under time constraints

• Authors: Shunji Sako , Hiromichi Sugiura , Hironori Tanoue , Makoto Kojima , Mitsunobu Kono , Ryoichi Inaba

Abstracts

EN

Objectives: This study investigated the association between task-induced stress and fatigue by examining the cardiovascular responses of subjects using different mouse positions while operating a computer under time constraints. Material and Methods: The study was participated by 16 young, healthy men and examined the use of optical mouse devices affixed to laptop computers. Two mouse positions were investigated: (1) the distal position (DP), in which the subjects place their forearms on the desk accompanied by the abduction and flexion of their shoulder joints, and (2) the proximal position (PP), in which the subjects place only their wrists on the desk without using an armrest. The subjects continued each task for 16 min. We assessed differences in several characteristics according to mouse position, including expired gas values, autonomic nerve activities (based on cardiorespiratory responses), operating efficiencies (based on word counts), and fatigue levels (based on the visual analog scale – VAS). Results: Oxygen consumption (VO₂), the ratio of inspiration time to respiration time (Tᵢ/Tₜₒₜₐₗ), respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (VE), and the ratio of expiration to inspiration (Te/Tᵢ) were significantly lower when the participants were performing the task in the DP than those obtained in the PP. Tidal volume (VT), carbon dioxide output rates (VCO₂/VE), and oxygen extraction fractions (VO₂/VE) were significantly higher for the DP than they were for the PP. No significant difference in VAS was observed between the positions; however, as the task progressed, autonomic nerve activities were lower and operating efficiencies were significantly higher for the DP than they were for the PP. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the DP has fewer effects on cardiorespiratory functions, causes lower levels of sympathetic nerve activity and mental stress, and produces a higher total workload than the PP. This suggests that the DP is preferable to the PP when operating a computer.

Keywords

EN

computer operation; mouse position; cardiorespiratory response; operating efficiency; workplace stress; computer fatigue

• Publisher: Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. dra Jerzego Nofera w Łodzi
• Journal: International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
• Year: 2014
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 547-559

Dates

published

2014

Contributors

author

Shunji Sako

• Department of Physical Therapy, Nagoya Isen School Corporation Vocational College, Aichi, Japan
• Department of Occupational Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan

author

Hiromichi Sugiura

• Department of Physical Therapy, Nagoya Isen School Corporation Vocational College, Aichi, Japan

author

Hironori Tanoue

• Department of Occupational Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
• Department of Rehabilitation, Aichi Kouseiren Asuke Hospital, Aichi, Japan

author

Makoto Kojima

• Department of Rehabilitation, Gifu Junior College of Health Science, Gifu, Japan

author

Mitsunobu Kono

• Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kinjo University, Ishikawa, Japan

author

Ryoichi Inaba

• Department of Occupational Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan

Identifiers

DOI

10.2478/s13382-014-0283-7

Biblioteka Nauki

2178870