Mouse with the Arm - Move the mouse with your whole arm (i.e. move from your sholder) to avoid awkward hand position and overuse of the forearm. Eliminate wrist action. Trackball users should use the shoulder muscles, too.
Mouse Grip - Use as light a grip as possible to move the device. Don't squeeze or grip the mouse between your thumb and pinky. Your hand should be relaxed, not tensed when using the mouse.
Mouse Size - Hands come in different sizes, just like feet. Choose a mouse that fits your hand, so that it is open and relaxed. Consider using a mouse that is designed to support the weight of the arm and hand while mousing. This reduces the strain to the neck and shoulders.
Mouse Position - Place the mouse just to the right of the keyboard (or left, if you are left-handed). Do not place mice on a side surface or on a surface in front of the user because there isn't room on the keyboard tray.
Mouse Height - Adjust the height of the mouse so your wrist is straigh while mousing. The top of your hand should not be bent back
Mouse Settings - adjust the speed and acceleration for your mouse to reduce the amount of arm/hand movement needed to get from one side of the monitor screen to the other. To adjust these settings, do the following:
Open the Control Panel
Double click on the mouse icon
Click on the "Motion" tab
In the box that says "Speed", increase the speed to about 75%.
In the box that says "Acceleration" change to Low or Medium.
Click "Apply" to test out the new settings. Adjust them more if necessary. Click "OK".
Avoid Restricting Circulation.
Don't use a wrist rest.
Avoid dropping the wrist when resting or thinking. Take the hand off the input device and rest in your hand in your lap or let it hang by your side.
Position the wrist so the wrist is off the edge of the work surface. Large handed users should rest their fingers on top of the device and keep their wrist level, off of the desk, instead of resting your hand on top and dropping your wrist while resting on the work surface.
Unless your hand is very small, use the pad of the finger instead of the tip to click. This technique also helps to maintain a natural hand position because fingers must be flat in order to use the finger pads.
To avoid straining the clicking finger, use the button directly in line with the finger (i.e., if using the mouse on the left side, switch the buttons in the control panel so the click function, not the "right click", will be activated with the right button). Or, consider using the third finger to click instead of the index finger. Single finger use will always lead to a problem over time.
If a thumb-activated trackball is selected due to best fit, move the entire hand to avoid thumb stabilization and overuse.
Keep your arm close to your side to reduce shoulder fatigue caused by reaching for the device.
Other suggestions:
Use software at all times. Download software from Logitech/Kensington/MS web sites and program drag, autoscroll or scroll functions for the wheel/middle button (i.e., program the input device to eliminate click & drag work). Use the double click and other functions (such as keystrokes) when device has more than three buttons.
To limit reach, use the input device on the left side of the keyboard (where the is no keypad on the keyboard). Don't forget to reprogram buttons for left-handed use.
To reduce overloading one side, alternate hands to use one input device or install two input devices.
Consider the type of keyboard being used and the amount of rotation required to move between the input device and keyboard.
If padded support is desired while using a mouse, it is best if the support surface is slick to allow an effortless glide.
If you have pain or injury, be aware of the problem while selecting the appropriate device (e.g., if you have thumb problems, select a device which minimizes use of the thumb).
Use a negative tilt to encourage a level wrist.
If you cannot maintain a floating wrist after practice and training, use a very soft gel that facilitates slide and low force pressure at the palm. Support at the palm is better than support at the wrist. Neither wrist nor palm support is good if it promotes pivoting. Never rest on a desk edge.
