Comparative Ergonomic Assessment of Three Mouse Designs: Biomechanical Load and User Acceptance After Familiarization

This study compared three mouse designs—traditional, round, and vertical—regarding their effects on upper-limb posture, muscle fatigue, and user perception before and after familiarization. Twenty right-handed university students performed standardized cursor-pointing tasks with each mouse during the initial period of use and after 15 hr of familiarization. Wrist and forearm postures were recorded using electrogoniometers, and muscle fatigue was assessed via surface electromyography of the extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digitorum, and upper trapezius. Participants also rated regional discomfort and device preference. Mouse type significantly affected wrist extension, radial deviation, forearm pronation, upper trapezius fatigue, and subjective discomfort. The vertical mouse reduced pronation and upper trapezius fatigue but was least preferred. The round mouse increased wrist extension yet showed favorable hand and wrist comfort ratings. The traditional mouse consistently produced higher upper trapezius fatigue and greater discomfort. These findings highlight tradeoffs between biomechanical optimization and user acceptance, emphasizing the importance of integrated evaluations in ergonomic device design.