Effect of Four Computer Keyboards in Computer Users with Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders

Eighty computer users with musculoskeletal disorders participated in a 6-month, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of four computer keyboards on clinical findings, pain severity, functional hand status, and comfort. The alternative geometry keyboards tested were: the Apple Adjustable Keyboard [kb1], Comfort Keyboard System [kb2], Microsoft Natural Keyboard [kb3], and placebo. Compared to placebo, kb3 and to a lesser extent kb1 groups demonstrated an improving trend in pain severity and hand function following 6 months of keyboard use. However, there was no corresponding consistent improvement in clinical findings in the alternative geometry keyboard groups compared to the placebo group. Overall, there was a significant correlation between improvement of pain severity and greater satisfaction with the keyboards. These results provide evidence that keyboard users may experience a reduction in hand pain after several months of use of some alternative geometry keyboards.