Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA | Department of Family Medicine, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA | Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal
Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Nancy A. Baker, 5012 Forbes Tower,
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. Tel.: +1 412 383 6607;
Fax: +1 412 383 6613; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is limited research on the effectiveness of
alternative keyboards in reducing discomfort in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that participants using a fixed split-angle (alternative)
keyboard would report significantly greater improvements in discomfort in
comparison to those using a standard keyboard. Additionally, we hypothesized
that at 5 months participants would significantly prefer the configuration of
the alternative keyboard in comparison to the standard keyboard. METHOD: In this randomized cross-over trial 77 symptomatic computer operators used
fixed split-angle or standard flat keyboards for five months in their
workplace, then switched to the other keyboard. Discomfort was collected weekly
using the Weekly Discomfort Survey and usability was measured monthly. RESULTS: There was no significant keyboard by period effect on any discomfort
measure. The number of participants with discomfort decreased dramatically in
the first month of use, regardless of keyboard type, and this number remained
relatively unchanged for the remainder of the study. Participants' ratings
significantly favored the standard flat keyboard for usability. CONCLUSIONS: This study does not support the use of fixed split-angle
keyboards over standard flat keyboards to reduce discomfort in the workplace.
Further research is needed to evaluate if subgroups of keyboard users might benefit.
