ebooks logo journals logo reference works logo abstract databases logo
bullet  SIGN IN Register | Why Register? | Got a Voucher? alerts   marked lists   shopping cart 

informaworld

HOME   |   SEARCH   |   BROWSE
    Issues List       Latest Issue       Forthcoming Articles       Volume 37 Issue 10       Subscribe       Article       References       Cited By       Related articles      
<< firstfirst   < prevprev   Table of contentstoc   next >next   last >>last
Publisher Logo Publication Cover
Search within this journal

An ergonomic evaluation of the Kinesis Ergonomic Computer Keyboard 

Authors: Michael J. Gerard a;  Stephen K. Jones b;  Leo A. Smith c;  Robert E. Thomas c; Tai Wang d
Affiliations:   a Center for Ergonomics, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
b US Internal Revenue Service, Cincinnati, OH, USA
c Department of Industrial Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
d Department of Exercise Physiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
DOI: 10.1080/00140139408964943
Publication Frequency: 12 issues per year
Published in: journal Ergonomics, Volume 37, Issue 10 October 1994 , pages 1661 - 1668
Formats available: PDF (English)
Article Requests: Order Reprints : Request Permissions
View Article: View Article (PDF) View Article (PDF)


Abstract

The two main objectives of this study were to measure and analyse initial learning rates and electromyographic activity while using the Kinesis Ergonomic Computer Keyboard. Six professional typists learned how to use the Kinesis Ergonomic Computer Keyboard. After an initial learning period electromyographic activity in four muscles in the forearms was recorded while typing on the Kinesis Ergonomic Computer Keyboard. These data were then compared to electromyographic activity recorded while using a standard 101 key IBM PS/2 keyboard. The study showed that the Kinesis Ergonomic Computer Keyboard can be learned to 72% of speed proficiency of the standard keyboard within 115 minutes. An accuracy of 97% of the standard keyboard was reached within 65 minutes of use. After the initial learning period, subjects were able to relearn quickly to use the Kinesis Ergonomic Computer Keyboard after a break of several weeks. Electromyographic data analysis showed that the resting posture on the Kinesis Ergonomic Computer Keyboard required significantly less activity to maintain than the resting posture on the standard keyboard for the flexor carpi ulnaris and the flexor digitorum sublimis. Furthermore, the Kinesis Ergonomic Computer Keyboard reduced the muscular activity required for typing in the flexor carpi ulnaris, the extensor digitorum communis, and the flexor digitorum sublimis.
Keywords: Typewriting; Electromyography; Learning curves
view references (14) : view citations
Bookmark with:
  • CiteULike
  • Del.icio.us
  • BibSonomy
  • Connotea
  • More bookmarks
Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Accessibility | RSS
FAQs in: English . Français . Español . 中文(简体和繁體)
© 2009 Informa plc