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When we type at computers we should work like trained, disciplined typists and
keep our wrists straight and floating over the keys. However, many of us were never
trained and have developed lazy wrists that like to sag down to the table surface while
typing. The problem with doing this is that the wrists are bent upwards in
hyper-extension, which increases the risk of a repetitive strain injury. A second
issue with resting the wrists on the table surface is that its hard surface and sharp edge
presses against the bottom of the wrist and can compress the soft tissues of the hand and
adversely affect the nerves and blood vessels. Some typists place the keyboard right
to the table's edge to avoid having anything to rest the wrists on, and force them into a
proper typing posture.
A wristrest is typically a strip of cushioning (padded plastic, foam, gel, etc.) that
fits in front of a keyboard or mousing area. The primary function of a wristrest is
to keep the wrist straight during keyboard use and provide padding that the table surface
cannot. Wristrests are one of the most popular "ergonomic" computer
assessories provided by companies when employees complain of wrist pain at the keyboard.
They are inexpensive, improve wrist posture and reduce soft tissue compression due
to contact stress (thus improving posture and reducing injury risk). Wristrests even
come in cool colors that can be easily customized with company logos, etc. Some
keyboards even come now with built-in molded plastic palm/wristrests (note that padded
retro-fits are often available due to the hard built-in surfaces).
Wristrests come in varying shapes, padding materials, and types of covers which will
determine how comfortable they are to use and their effectiveness. They should be
well padded with no sharp edges and provide a soft support that conforms to the wrist and
palm heel. The height of the wristrest should be at about the same level as the
computer keyboard's front edge or spacebar (this is typically 3/4 to 1 inch for modern,
low-profile keyboards). Keyboard wristrests are usually around 20 inches in length
and some go as wide at 28-30 inches to cover the mousing area as well.
A word of caution is needed when
it comes to typing with a wristrest. Current typing philosophy/recommendations
instruct typists to type with the hands floating over the keyboard and use the wristrest
only as a soft place to rest between periods of typing. Placing the hands palm up in
your lap during longer breaks in typing is also a good idea as it provides an opposite
hand posture to that used while typing. What needs to be avoided is pressing/leaning
on the wristrest while typing and depend only upon wrist and finger movement to reach the
keys. The whole arm, starting at the shoulder, should be used to reach for keys far
from the home row, not pinning the wrist into the wristrest and depending on your
wrist and fingers to do gymnastic feats reaching all the keyboard's keys. More on
keyboarding techniques can be found in many publications
on computer use and keyboarding.
Other devices perform a similar function while moving with the hand, versus the
stationary position of traditional wristrests. For the keyboard, an example is the Comfortype
that has a swiveling palm support that moves with the hand while typing. There are
also several different products for the wrist and arm that move with the body during mouse
use. These products provide continuous support during the keying/mousing activity.
As these devices do not hinder body motions, their continual use might be
considered okay, especially in relieving shoulder discomfort, however you should not lean,
or put excessive force on them.
A wristrest's purpose is to partially
support the weight of the arm, reduce fatigue in shoulder, reduce torque in elbow,
maintain neutral wrist posture, and prevent wrist abrasion on sharp desk edge.
Wristrests should be used during micro-pauses and mini-breaks, not during data entry or
typing (Thompson, 1991).
Other Commentaries and Information
Pros and Cons of Wrist Rests
by Chris Grant, PhD, CPE
http://www.ur-net.com/office-ergo/pros&.htm#Wrist
Rests
IBM Healthy Computing: Accessories - Palm Rests
http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/healthycomputing/palmrest.html
AliMed's How to Choose Wrist Rests
http://www.alimed.com/cgi-bin/how.cgi?page=e111
 3M Stationary & Office
Supplies Div
Bldg 230-25-13
Prosperous Pi Ste 5B
St Paul, MN 55144-1000
(612) 733-9322 or (800) 332-7483, Fax: (612) 733-5754
innovation@mmm.com
http://www.mmm.com/office
Gel-Filled Adjustable Wrist Rests
- Estimated Price:
- Gel Wrist Rest - $44.95
- Gel Wrist and Mouse Wrist Rest - $59.95
- Gel Mouse Wrist Rest and Pad - $39.95
3M Gel-Filled Adjustable Wrist Rests:
- Height-adjustable gel pad encourages neutral wrist position to reduce wrist
fatigue and discomfort.
- Exclusive gel-filling and non woven fabric, derived from medical technology,
conform to wrist and palms to provide soothing, comfortable support.
- Baseplate with non-skid rubber feet keeps wrist rest securely in place on
desktops or adjustable keyboard trays.
- Available in blue or dark gray.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
(Information last checked: Dec'97)
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AliMed
297 High Street, Dedhan, MA 02026
(800) 225-2610, Fax: (800) 437-2966
http://www.alimed.com
See website or order a catalog for more information
on these products
 Soft Wrist Rests
- Call for their catalog or visit the website for specific sizing and prices
($19.95 - $39.95)
- Soft Mouse Wrist Rest: $17.95 (with Mousing Surface: $24.95)
Multiple styles heights, lengths and colors to meet the needs of many different
situations. These wristrests are made from two layers of form - the bottom layer
gives comfortable support and the top self-molding layer cradles your wrists for maximum
comfort. Other wristrests are made of closed-cell foams and vinyl. There are
not only hard, but they also allow heat and sweat to build up. The Soft Wrist Rest's
cloth cover and open-cell foan interior wick away moisture and heat. The cover is
removable and washable.
 Per/Fect
Keyboard Wrist Rest
Ideal for low chair and high desk combinations. Angled Soft Wrist Rest in line
with your keyboard. No need for expensive adjustable chairs or office furniture.
Now you can sit upright or lean back and key without straining your wrists.
Ideal for shorter workers - allows users to keep their feet on the floor.
Keyboard Komfort
Provides affordable negative tilt. Elevated front 1" to 1 1/2" so
keyboard slopes down towards monitor, providing 7 to 10 degrees negative tilt recommended
by experts. Accommodates keyboards up to 21" x 7 3/4". Extended
version accommodates mouse 25" x 7 3/4"
Softspot Contour Support
A form-fitting cushion that maximizes the benefits of the MS Natural style keyboards.
Reduces the sharp angle and hard pressure points caused by the built-in palm
support.
 Mouse Nest
A comfortable mouse rest that glides with the mouse - a real aid to productivity.
The hand is completely supported by the contoured surface, whcih helps the hand
"grip" the Mouse Nest for easy maneuverabilty. Eliminates excess finger
gripping and wrist tension. Promotes natural straight wrist position. The wrist is in a
natural, neutral position
Comfort Point
Comfort Point lets your fingers and arm control the mouse, not your wrist.
Ergonomically contoured ultrasoft paddle supports both wrist and palm. Adjustable
angles: negative, positive and neutral tilt to cradle and support the wrist. glides
smoothly with mouse for continuous support. Mac and IBM mouse and trackball
compatible.
Wrist-mice
- Estimated Price: $49.95 (pair)
Wrist-mice let your supported wrists slide from keyboard to mouse in one easy gliding
motion. Movement is unrestricted in every way. The wrist is ergonomically
angled in a padded cradle.
MOPAD
MOPAD contoured foam cushion supports, elevates and protects the area from wrist to
elbow. Covered with a slippery fabric that glides across the work surface.
Secures with elastic wrist strap, so you can lift and reposition without hesitation.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
(Information last checked: Nov'97)
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CIPTC - Canadian International Products and Trading
Company
1111 Davis Dr., Unit 1, Ste 194, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, L3Y 7V1
1-705-727-0027 or 1-416-524-3733, Fax: 1-705-727-0775
webmaster@trade-trade.hypermart.net
http://trade-trade.hypermart.net/mouserest.html
 Ergonomic Pivoting Mouse Rest
The "Mouse Rest's" cushioned pad is ergonomically angled in a padded cradle
and its movement is unrestricted in every way for maximum user comfort. Your wrist nearly
feels weight less when mousing. The "Mouse Rest" will provide relief from wrist
and elbow strain as well as reducing neck pain and shoulder discomfort. Also, it will help
to prevent well known repetitive strain injuries in the future.
Comments:
This is a new product being marketed by a Product Development Marketing Company.
The product mimics the operation of a swiveling forearm support for the mousing arm.
Outside of the marketing information provided above, and on their website, little is know
of the designer or the product itself. -KSW-
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
(Information last checked: Jul'98)
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Ergolink Ltd.
157 West 49th. Avenue
Vancouver, B.C., Canada V5Y 2Z7
(604)322-0349, or (800)990-9319, Fax: (604)322-0393
ergowrist@ergowrist.com
http://www.ergowrist.com
- Estimated Price: $9.95 (Including Mouse Pad)
Exclusive auto-positioning technology allows Ergowrist to be the world's only
convenient, ergonomic, movable hand support.
Auto-positioning includes a flexible spring loaded tether which connects the
mouse to Ergowrist. The tether is sensitive to allow finger control.
Ergowrist is movable to allow the arm to control the mouse.
When the hand is removed, auto-positioning guarantees that Ergowrist will park itself
behind the mouse. Park and be ready to support the hand the next time it reaches for the
mouse.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
Ergowrist Palm is a movable hand pad that supports the weight of the palm on an
elevated platform to allow the hand to relax in its natural, arched posture.
Fingers are supported to help minimize the stress of clicking, double-clicking, and
drag and drop processing. Ergowrist Palm does not interfere with arm or finger control of
the mouse.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
(Information last checked: Jul'98)
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 ErgoSpace Corporation
218 Main Street - Suite 240
Kirkland, WA 98033
(206) 739-8880
Fax (206) 739-8881
http://www.ergospace.com
esales@ergospace.com
 Launch Pad
- Estimated Price:
- Launch Pad PE (Professional Edition) - $59.95
- Launch Pad SE (Standard Edition) - $39.95
Over time, anyone who uses a computer may run the risk of a repetitive disorder such as
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The innovations at ErgoSpace such as LaunchPad, our revolutionary
ergonomic palm rest, are designed to limit that risk.
They now have two models:
The Launch Pad PE (Professional Edition) Black glove leather covers memory foam
on the saddle - like contoured palm cushion set on a dynamic suspension. The black
SureTrak mouse pad has a special surface which promotes accurate tracking and can actually
clean debris off the tracking balls of mice.
The Launch Pad SE (Standard Edition) Medium gray (slightly taupe)
very high quality colored synthetic suede covers a closed cell foam.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
 Palm Glider
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
(Information last checked: Feb'98)
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 ErgoWare
L B Innovators, Inc.
1-888-ERGOWARE
ergoware@nmia.com
http://www.ergoware.com
Wrist Supports
- Available in 3 sizes and many colors:
- Standard 18" ($19.95)
- Notebook 12" ($19.95)
- Mini 8" ($14.95)
When the Ergoware Wrist Support was first introduced in 1989, few people knew what a
wrist support was. Now, with today's new VDT safety laws, safety managers and computer
users are rushing to buy these inexpensive products to help protect against Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome. Ergoware Wrist Support sales have accelerated from hundreds of units per month
to well over 20,000 units per month and still climbing. All of this success is due to the
Ergoware Wrist Support's patented shape - the result of six months of in house design
work. Only the Ergoware Wrist Support features a dimple that runs laterally down its
centerline. Both front and rear edges are curved. It is this patented shape that has
positioned the Ergoware Wrist Support as America's leading keyboard wrist support. Custom
Imprinting available.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
(Information last checked: Dec'97)
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Fox Bay Industries
4150 B Place NW Ste 101, Auburn, WA 98001-2449
(253) 941-9155 or (800) 874-8527, Fax: (253) 941-9197
fb-info@foxbay.com
http://www.foxbay.com
 Desk Top
Styles
Desk top convenience in a variety of sizes and styles for all keyboards/keypads.
- in 8", 12", 19", and 27" lengths
- for keyboards
- for calculators
- for mice
(Information last checked: Nov'98)
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ISE International Source for Ergonomics
950 Warden Ave., Scarborough, Ontario, CN Ml L 4E3
(416) 759-2929 or (800) 463-7731, Fax: (416) 759-9272
ve@visual-ergonomics.com
http://www.visual-ergonomics.com
Palm/Wrist Pads provide ergonomic support. Available for all sizes of keyboards.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
(Information last checked: Nov'98)
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MedExcel, Inc.
Seton N.W. Health Plaza
11111 Research Blvd., Suite 220
Austin, TX 78759
800) 335-PAWS (7297), Fax: (512) 328-7324
sales@powerpaw.com
http://www.powerpaw.com
 PowerPaw
Designed by a physician, the PowerPaw protects the soft tissue areas of the wrist and
forearm and may help to reduce the pressures that are associated with repetitive stress
injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Based on advanced gel and polymer technology, the PowerPaw provides flexible, mobile
support while the rounded contours adapt to any user position. The PowerPaw’s gliding
base allows effortless and continuous freedom of motion. Explore the PowerPaw--a vital
addition to any ergonomically correct workstation
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
(Information last checked: Jul'98)
Typex Corporation
31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy., Suite A-265
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (USA) 92688-1836
(949) 858-9060, Fax: (949) 858-4421
info@typexco.com
http://www.typexco.com/
Comfortype's design allows the user to simply
place their computer keyboard atop the Keyboard Support Base; adjust the keyboard height
for comfort; insert the patented, ergonomic "HandSupports" into their Pivot
Slots, and it's ready to use. Comfortype can be used with virtually any standard, or MAC
computer keyboard. The patented, ergonomic HandSupports are designed to accommodate the
human hand. The Comfortype allows for the full range of motion typical to all typing, data
entry, programming, mouse, and other user interface requirements. You will never have to
lift your hand again to go from keyboard to mouse, and will be amazed at it's ease of use,
and how Comfortype increases productivity, provides total keyboarding comfort, and
dramatically reduces the stress and strain of keyboard, mouse and trackball use.
ComfortGlide's simple design allows the user
to place the "GlideBoard" in front of the computer keyboard; mount and place the
custom designed "MouseGlide" to the right or left of the keyboard; insert the
patented, ergonomic "HandSupports" into their "GlideBase's", and it's
ready to use. ComfortGlide can be used with virtually any standard, or MAC computer
keyboard. The patented, ergonomic HandSupports are designed to accommodate the human hand.
The ComfortGlide allows for the full range of motion typical to all typing, data entry,
programming, mouse, and other user interface requirements. You will never have to lift
your hand again to go from keyboard to mouse, and will be amazed at it's ease of use, and
how ComfortGlide increases productivity, provides total keyboarding comfort, and
dramatically reduces the stress and strain of keyboard, mouse and trackball use.
The complete ComfortGlide Wrist Support System
consists of: One GlideBoard; one MouseGlide; one pair of ergonomic HandSupports; and one
pair of GlideBases.
(Information last checked: Oct'98)
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WorkRite
77 Digital Drive, Novato, CA
(415) 884-2311, Fax: (415) 884-2392
http://www.wrea.com/
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
(Information last checked: Jul'98)
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