Oct 22 2008
What is the best arm position for use of the keyboard and mouse?
Question from Karen: Should your arm be lying flat on the desk to use your keyboard and mouse or should you be seated really high so its just a slight move?
Hello Karen,
Your question does not have a straightforward answer. When you go through the Work Pain Free program, you will learn how to pick the best position for you……and that may vary throughout the day. The bottom line is the position that feels best, and has you feeling better at the end of the day is your best position.
The general rule is your elbows are relaxed at your side, there is a slightly open angle at the elbow, and the wrist is straight.
The wrist rest helps maintain the straight wrist and gives all of the arm, shoulder, neck and upper back muscles a rest when you pause, even for a moment.
Another option is that your arms are able to relax on the desk top while typing. The seat height desk top relationship must be such that the arms and shoulders are relaxed.
There are then other factors to take into consideration, such as low back support, leg support, etc.
The work Pain Free training is a system that will correlate all factors so you feel the best and are the most relaxed and productive
I hope this information helped you and I look forward to hearing back how good you feel.
Yours in health,
Dr. Barry Carlin
