Awrist rest(a.k.a.palm rest,wrist support,orpalm support)[1]is a device used to support thewristswhile using acomputer keyboardormouse.[2]Wrist rests have common usage in the workplace.[3]
Design
editWrist rests can be made frommemory foam,gel,leather, orhardwood,the most common being memory foam rests.[4]Memory foam rests retain impressions for longer, while gel rests quickly return to their original shape.[4]Gel rests provide more cooling.[4]Some computer keyboards come with a wrist rest included.[5]
Beyond the typical wrist rest designs, some companies have created variations that add extra functionality or aesthetics. For example, alaptopwith a foldable wrist rest,[6]agame padwith a stylizedPokémonwrist rest,[7]or a wrist rest that also functions as a mouse.[8]
Ergonomic use
edit
There are mixed opinions on whether wrist rests for computer keyboards are a benefit toergonomics.[2]
The main benefit of using a wrist rest is increased comfort, especially for those using keyboards over long periods.[1][4]Usage of a wrist rest can alleviate tension can take away pressure from the neck, shoulders and arms.[2]Using a keyboard without a wrist rest may increase the bending angle of the wrists, causing strain and tendon irritation.[1]
Prolonged contact between the wrists and the rest may causecarpal tunnel syndromeortenosynovitis.[2]Resting the wrists on a rest while typing may prevent motion of the wrist, causing issues.[1]
To mitigate potential problems, theOccupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) recommends the hands to be elevated above the rest while typing.[1]While not typing, the rest should contact the hand'spalm/heel,not the wrist.[1]As well, they recommend for the wrist rest's slope and height to match the front of the keyboard, and for the rest to be soft, with a depth of at least 3.8 centimetres (1.5 in).[1]
Scientific research
editA 2004 study published inElsevierdescribed the literature on the efficacy of wrist rests as "limited, inconclusive, and contradictory".[3]Some studies have concluded that wrist rests reduce strain while others have concluded rests cause more strain.[3]A 2018 study looked at asample sizeof 25 during prolonged typing.[9]They found wrist rests to reduce fatigue in thebiceps brachiimuscle but have no effect on the uppertrapeziusmuscle.[9]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^abcdefg"Wrist/Palm Supports".Occupational Safety and Health Administration.United States Department of Labor.
- ^abcd"Office Ergonomics - Wrist Rests".Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.Government of Canada.2020-11-23.Retrieved2024-03-15.
- ^abcCook, Catherine; Burgess-Limerick, Robin; Papalia, Shona (May 2004)."The effect of wrist rests and forearm support during keyboard and mouse use".International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics.33(5): 463–472.doi:10.1016/j.ergon.2003.12.002.ISSN0169-8141.
- ^abcdGalang, Anton. Wagener, Yoona (ed.)."The Best Keyboard Wrist Rests of 2024".Lifewire.Retrieved2024-03-15.
- ^Bacchus, Arif (2023-01-25)."The best keyboard wrist rest in 2023".Digital Trends.Retrieved2024-03-15.
- ^"This Experimental Laptop Design Has a Foldable Wrist Rest".Yahoo News.2023-04-21.Retrieved2024-03-15.
- ^Jacob Ridley (2023-07-05)."A custom-made fighting game pad but it's two ditto".PC Gamer.Retrieved2024-03-15.
- ^"My new favorite wrist rest is a mouse — or is it the other way around?".Yahoo News.2024-03-03.Retrieved2024-03-15.
- ^abCallegari, Bianca; de Resende, Marília Maniglia; da Silva Filho, Manoel (January 2018)."Hand rest and wrist support are effective in preventing fatigue during prolonged typing".Journal of Hand Therapy.31(1): 42–51.doi:10.1016/j.jht.2016.11.008.