Dangermouse?

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is to fund a two-year study into the effects of using computer input devices such as touch screens, joysticks and the mouse.

The Universities of Surrey and Loughborough will carry out the research, which will focus on musculoskeletal pain caused by the use of non-keyboard input options.

Valerie Woods, research fellow at the University of Surrey's Robens Centre for Health Ergonomics, says the study will not be confined to office workers, but will consider wider uses in, for example, the manufacturing sector.

The HSE issues regulations for computer users, but these do not cover newer technologies, like touch screens, according to Woods. The research will allow the HSE to bring its regulations up to date. The government is also funding research into the health effects of laptops.

Woods feels the study will produce better guidelines on the design of input devices and how users should arrange their workstations. The researchers will begin by asking IT managers and users how the devices are used and positioned.

"We're suspicious that there may be problems, especially in aches and pains in the upper limbs," said Woods. "That could be caused by poor posture or by the force used with these devices. Not much force is used, but it could be quite repetitive."

Woods also pointed out that problems arise when employees don't take adequate breaks and keep their hands in one position for too long.