OH! Magazine - Australian Version February 2014 (Australian Version) | Page 26

(OH, REALLY?)

ERGONOMICS 101:
OPTIMUM
WRIST POSTURE
Osteopath Heath Williams
talks ergonomics to help you
achieve optimum wrist posture
while at a computer.

o many of us spend the majority of
our time at a computer, and with the
new working year upon us, there’s no better

S

time to assess your current wrist positions
when typing and using your mouse, and
help you identify whether your current

working ergonomics are suitable, or whether
you may require a different keyboard, mouse
and/or use of a wrist support.

Wrist position while using a mouse
a lot of time with your wrist in an extended position (one of the
most commonly observed wrist position faults) may increase
your chance of developing wrist and/or hand strains and sprains.
A wrist support may be of benefit if you find that your wrist
drops into extension when using a mouse, as it can help to
Diagram 1

prevent this wrist extension.
When looking from above (bottom left image in Diagram 1), your
wrist should also be straight. The bottom left image also shows
a deviation of the wrist to the left or right, which is also not a
desired position. Spending a lot of time using the mouse with
ulnar or radial deviation may increase your risk of developing
overuse type injuries such as tendinopathies.
If you continue to have issues with your wrist while using a

When using a mouse your wrist position should be neutral/
straight when looking from the side (see top image in Diagram
1). A wrist that is extended or flexed is not desirable, as spending
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ISSUE 7 ( OH! MAGAZINE )

mouse, further assessment from an osteopath may be required.
Alternative options to improve wrist and mouse ergonomics
include an ortho mouse, vertical mouse or mouse joystick.