Friday, November 28, 2008
Ergo, ergonomic
Does anyone out there use an ergonomic keyboard? A wonderful friend purchased one for me--in light of shoulder problems triggered by writing--and I got the nerve to hook it up; am using it right now. If anyone could give me some tips on adjusting to it, let me know. The Constructive Curmudgeon must write--or the world will go wrong.
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3 comments:
Which model are you using?
I have the Microsoft Natural ergo keyboard - the one with the slight curve inward and a split in the middle.
Basically you just want to avoid turning your wrists inward. They should be as parallel as possible when you type.
It took me a few weeks to adjust to the new shape, but eventually my typing speed increased beyond what it had originally been.
Since I have an office job as a computer programmer I try to stretch often. I have this desk stretch chart near my computer for reference:
http://www.shelterpub.com/_fitness/_desk_stretches/stretches_graphic.html
I used to have a lot of problems with wrist pain. Here are some general principles of computer ergonomics that I picked up:
-The head should have a slight downward tilt towards the center of the monitor.
-The monitor should be about an arm's length away
-Arms should not be jutted out in front while typing.
-Many people have a bad habit of lifting their shoulders up when they lift their hands to type.
-Always rest hands in the lap when not using them at the computer. Try to fight the habit of resting them at the keyboard or leaning on your elbows.
Anyways, hope that helps! :)
Doug - I would echo David's suggestions, particularly the need to stretch very often.
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