Forearm or wrist supports are products that typically attach to a work surface such as a desk or table and provide support to the wrist or forearm whilst keying, mousing, writing or resting between desk tasks.
As a resting device, wrist or forearm supports can be beneficial to alleviate muscle load during rest. However if used to support the wrist or forearm during work tasks, careful consideration needs to given as some models can restrict full arm movement and isolate movement to the fingers which may prevent or alleviate symptoms in one area of the arm, however potentially increase muscle and tendon load in another. The use of a wrist or forearm support may also require the keyboard or mouse to be positioned at a greater distance from the user and potentially increase the muscle action required by the shoulders to reach the keyboard.
First and foremost prior to considering the use of a wrist or forearm support, the person’s workstation set up, work task and work posture rotation schedule should be assessed by an Occupational Therapist or suitably qualified consultant:
There are several different types of wrist or forearm supports that simply attach to a desk and can usually be accommodated for use with the left or right arms including:
- gel or bead filled pads which either sit along the front of the keyboard, mouse or both to provide comfort, support and assist the wrist to remain neutral whilst keying or mousing
- fixed models that attach to a desk and allow the forearm to rest whilst working, but restricts full arm movement
- fixed, padded material models that fit along the front of a desk with a cut out for the body to allow support to both arms
- models that rotate on one axis allowing some forearm movement during tasks
- those with hinged, articulating arms to allow for easy movement of the arms, whilst providing support for the whole upper limb.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Some typing and mouse use styles can encourage injury as a result of an over extension of wrists and/or pressure resulting from a continual resting on hard table surfaces.
For persons experiencing forearm or wrist pain or fatigue when keying, mousing or writing whilst working at a desk, it is essential to first review the complete workstation setup, the tasks and work hours undertaken and rest breaks taken. If the workstation is adjusted optimally and pain or fatigue continues, consideration can then be given to a wrist or forearm rest for use during writing, keying or mousing. Due to the wide variety of models available, consideration should be given to tasks undertaken, length of time to be used for and the capacity of the arm to move as naturally as possible whilst being supported to reduce the risk of injury to another area of the arm.
For more information about specific keyboards and supportive mousing surfaces see the links below:
References
Comcare 2008, Officewise: A guide to health and safety in the office, Australian Government, Canberra, viewed 7 September 2011, http://www.comcare.gov.au/forms__and__publications/publications/safety_and_prevention/?a=39570.
Ergodirect 2011, Goldtouch Ergonomic Adjustable Keyboards and Numeric Keypads, Ergonomic Mice and Notebook Stand, ErgoDirect.com, California, viewed 7 October 2011, http://www.ergodirect.com/default.php?cPath=145.
Ergodirect 2011, WorkRite Height Adjustable WorkCenters, LED Task Lighting, Monitor Arms and Keyboard Platforms, ErgoDirect.com, California, viewed 7 October 2011, http://www.ergodirect.com/default.php?cPath=235.
Ergodirect 2011, Humanscale Ergonomic Chairs, Articulating Keyboard Trays, Adjustable LCD Monitor Arms, LED Task Lighting, CPU Holders and Air Purifier, ErgoDirect.com, California, viewed 7 October 2011, http://www.ergodirect.com/default.php?cPath=229.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2011, Vocational Aids & Equipment: Wrist & Forearm Supports, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 7 September 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search3.asp?State=NSW&MC=64&MinC=8.
Independent Living Centre NSW 2009, Buyers Guide—Wrist Rests/Forearm Supports, Independent Living Centre NSW, Parramatta, viewed 7 September 2011, http://www.ilcnsw.asn.au/items/2991.
OPC Ergonomics (no date specified), Keyboard and Mouse Forearm and Wrist Supports, OPC Ergonomics Pty Ltd, Sydney, viewed 7 September 2011, http://www.opcergonomics.com.au/arm_supports.html.