Researchers Rub, Vibrate Way to New Ergonomics
From: Network World - 12/23/2007

Ergonomics expert Alan Hedge and his Cornell Human Factors and Ergonomics
Research Group are developing new ergonomic products such as a vibrating
mouse and office chairs that massage the back. The group has designed a
vibrating mouse to signal when computer users should take their hand off the
device to avoid overuse, with hopes of preventing upper extremity
musculoskeletal disorders. Tests showed that people took their hand off the
mouse but held it just above the device, which could potentially be a more
dangerous position for computer users, so researchers want people to rest
their hand on a flat surface when they feel the vibration. Findings on
whether undulating chairs would help alleviate back pain were mixed, but
researchers believe the concept is promising, especially for people with back
problems. The group also suspended a flat panel computer monitor on a movable
arm and studied its effects on people's comfort, posture, and preference. "We
saw fewer complaints about neck problems and about the workstation because
people had more space," Hedge says. 

Read the entire article at:
http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/23302

Links:
Cornell Human Factors and Ergonomics Research Group
http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/

Alan Hedge
http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ahpersonal/ahbio.htm
http://www.humanuse.com/ahbio.html
http://www.human.cornell.edu/che/bio.cfm?netid=ah29
http://www.spineuniverse.com/authorbio.php?authorID=42

Can massage chairs or a vibrating mouse prevent computer-related injuries?
http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/Dec07/Hedge.Ergo.mw.html

Can a vibrating mouse prevent computer-related injuries?
http://www.sciencecodex.com/can_a_vibrating_mouse_prevent_computer_related_injuries