Keyboarding History & Ergonomics

Keyboarding History

1741 Henry Mill - British

impression machine

1867 Christopher Sholes-American

Qwerty keyboard-slow down

With the widespread availability

of keyboards and the technical

advances, keyboarding is not

without health related problems.

Ergonomics

Is the science concerned with designing safe and comfortable machines for humans.

Ideal Computer WorkstationFurniture and Equipment

Stable work surface

Comfortable, ergonomic, adjustable chair with height and back support. Support the lower back.

Height adjustable regular slope keyboarding tray. Best for keeping elbows in and wrists in a neutral position.

Height adjustable, gliding mouse platform that allows the mouse to be positioned close to the body.

Keyboard should be comfortable, fits ones hands and allows one to work in a neutral hand and body posture.

Normal Work Area

Make sure that everything you need is

within this area.

Desk has a surface large enough to

support all of your materials.

Document holder to avoid head twisting.

Center the body according to the

alphanumeric keyboard.

Computer Monitor PositionMonitor that is height and angle adjustable works best.

Monitor should be placed directly in front of the user and facing the user, not angled.

Eyes should be in line with a point on the screen that is 2 to 3 inches below the top of the monitor.

If the text is too small, increase font size. Do no move the monitor.

Bifocal glasses need the monitor to be tilted slightly backwards.

Lighting

It should not be too bright or too dark.

Indirect lighting in combination with task

lighting works best.

If you use a task light make sure it is as

far away as possible. One should not be

able to see the light source.

No glare on the screen.

Avoid very glossy work surfaces;

contribute to glare.

Noise and Ventilation

Noise level must be comfortable.

When using headphones, make sure

they are at a comfortable noise level and

fit properly.

Should be in a well ventilated area, with

adequate heating and cooling in order to

minimize discomfort.

Taking Breaks is Important

Eye Breaks-eye moisture

Micro-breaks-rest hands, straight

posture.

Rest Breaks-every 30 to 60 minutes.

Ergonomic Software-Look for software

that will run in the background and

monitor how much you’ve been using

the computer.

Exercise Breaks-every 1 to 2 hours

depending on your needs.

Work Station Exercises

Deep Breathing

Head and Neck

Back

Shoulders

Wrists

Fingers and Hands

Tendon Gliding Exercises

Following these rules will increase your speed and accuracy at the computer as well as helping your body cope with long sessions at the keyboard.

Line up top of monitor with top of head.

Position screen at arm’s length.

Relax shoulders.

Bend elbows 90°.

Keep wrists straight.

Line up hips, shoulders, and ears vertically.

Place hips far back in chair, bent at 90°.

Using the correct posture at the keyboard can reduce eyestrain and fatigue and will result in a significantly better typing performance.

Keyboarding Injuries

People are always being told how typing for long periods of time is bad for you.

Poor typing posture can cause pain and other symptoms in your; Back, Neck and Shoulders, Hands and Wrists and Eyes.

Injuries

Hand/Wrist Problems

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)-

Milder forms - discomfort, tenderness to

touch, inflammation, weakening of the tendons.

More serious - pain, numbness, tingling, loss

of sensation.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

When the median nerve does not “work”

properly. When there is too much pressure on the nerve as it runs into the wrist through an

opening called the carpal tunnel. Eventually, the pressure inside the tunnel reaches a point

when the nerve can no longer function normally. Pain and numbness in the hand begin

and will progress if the cause is not eliminated.

When the wrist is in a neutral position, the carpal tunnel is as big as it can be so the nerve

has as much room as possible and injury can be prevented.

Shoulder and Back

Relax the shoulders to prevent tension.

Sit up straight and additional back

support to prevent lower back pain

Keyboarding Check List

Keystroke Pattern

Strike keys with quick motion.

Type with a steady, even rhythm.

Strike Enter key and Backspace key without looking.

Keep Fingers on home row keys.

Strive for accuracy.

Posture

Sit up straight.

Feet flat on floor.

Wrists up.

Elbows in.

Attitude

Follows directions.

Completes exercises on time.

Is prepared for class.

Work is well organized.

Has a good attitude.