Thursday, May 25, 2006
Zero Tension Mouse for RSI
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From RSI guru Dr. Michael Leahy comes an ergonomic tool for your desktop, the Zero Tension Mouse.
Yeah, it's a big mouse, but then again, it could have a big impact on carpal tunnel syndrome. The design is familiar to us and anyone who's made (or worn) a hand splint, but we're particularly impressed with the research and documentation behind this device. As a plus, it's available for Mac users (but not for left-handed folks):
The Zero Tension Mouse™ exactly balances the flexors and extensors so that they can relax. A regular mouse causes the extensors to tighten in order to hold the fingers slightly above the mouse buttons. They are under slight tension all the time which causes the cumulative injury effect.... With a regular mouse the wrist is usually extended slightly. This is not a major problem but the tension on the wrist extensors to maintain this position is definitely a problem. The Zero Tension Mouse™ eliminates this problem by placing the wrist in neutral between flexion and extension. It also places the wrist upright instead of flat so that the wrist extensors can relax instead of tightening to maintain position.
The wrist is upright instead of flat in order to balance the pronators and supinator. These muscles turn the palm up and down and in a regular mouse they twist the wrist palm down so that all three muscles are tight. Over time this becomes a significant problem causing that all too familiar syndrome called "carpal tunnel."
Much more on Leahy's website, including why the mouse is good for the thumb and shoulder.
Via DigitalReviews...
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