Wrist Hypothermia Related to Continuous Work with a Computer Mouse: A Digital Infrared Imaging Pilot Study

Computer work is characterized by sedentary static workload with low-intensity energy metabolism. The aim of our study was to evaluate the dynamics of skin surface temperature in the hand during prolonged computer mouse work under different ergonomic setups. Digital infrared imaging of the right for...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2015-08, Vol.12 (8), p.9265-9281
Main Authors: Reste, Jelena, Zvagule, Tija, Kurjane, Natalja, Martinsone, Zanna, Martinsone, Inese, Seile, Anita, Vanadzins, Ivars
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Computers
Cursor control devices
Ergonomics
Female
Humans
Hypothermia
Hypothermia - diagnosis
Hypothermia - etiology
Hypothermia - physiopathology
Infrared Rays
Male
Occupational Diseases - diagnosis
Occupational Diseases - etiology
Occupational Diseases - physiopathology
Pilot Projects
Sedentary Lifestyle
Skin Temperature - physiology
Thermometry - methods
Wrist
Wrist - physiopathology
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Summary:Computer work is characterized by sedentary static workload with low-intensity energy metabolism. The aim of our study was to evaluate the dynamics of skin surface temperature in the hand during prolonged computer mouse work under different ergonomic setups. Digital infrared imaging of the right forearm and wrist was performed during three hours of continuous computer work (measured at the start and every 15 minutes thereafter) in a laboratory with controlled ambient conditions. Four people participated in the study. Three different ergonomic computer mouse setups were tested on three different days (horizontal computer mouse without mouse pad; horizontal computer mouse with mouse pad and padded wrist support; vertical computer mouse without mouse pad). The study revealed a significantly strong negative correlation between the temperature of the dorsal surface of the wrist and time spent working with a computer mouse. Hand skin temperature decreased markedly after one hour of continuous computer mouse work. Vertical computer mouse work preserved more stable and higher temperatures of the wrist (>30 °C), while continuous use of a horizontal mouse for more than two hours caused an extremely low temperature (
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph120809265