Persons who are overweight (figure 1) experience even greater angles of ulnar deviation as they must attempt to compensate for their greater body mass. Our experience shows that persons who have discomfort in conjunction with intensive data entry tasks, in general, find relief with our ergonomic keyboard products. To be fair, there are many other risk factors associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; and repetitive stress type injuries are difficult to trace back to one single cause; however, eliminating as many risk factors as possible, including awkward postures, is good ergonomics and usually leads to a reduction in symptoms.

WRIST PRONATION ERGONOMICS

Sustained pronation strains the forearm muscles and creates a situation where blood flow is usually reduced. Additionally the median nerve may come under pressure over long periods of time. Good ergonomics always dictates that no muscle or muscle group be statically contracted over long periods of time.

The figures of three hand positions to the lower left depict various degrees of pronation as they relate to keyboard products we sell. "POOR" means, that in terms of reducing pronation, palms keying in the standard flat posture are not as desirable as other less pronated postures.

The Goldtouch (our most popular ergonomic keyboard product) delivers tenting of up to 30°, (indicated by the "OK") which has proven adequate in a solid majority of our clients' experiences.

The Datahand can be set at about the same 30° angle using an additional wedge. Since the Datahand allows the hands to rest inside the keying modules, there is very little if any static pressure on the muscles in the forearm.