Found this article today on Science Daily:
Forearm Supports Reduce Upper Body Pain Linked To Computer Use
Providing forearm support is an effective intervention to prevent musculoskeletal disorders of the upper body and aids in reducing upper body pain associated with computer work, according to a study in The British Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Reported in the April 18 issue, the study shows that use of large arm boards significantly reduces neck and shoulder pain as well as hand, wrist and forearm pain. “Based on these outcomes, employers should consider providing employees who use computers with appropriate forearm support,” said lead author David Rempel, MD, MPH, director of the ergonomics program at San Francisco General Hospital and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.
(snip)
Participants were randomized into four groups, each receiving a different intervention: ergonomics training, training plus a trackball, training plus forearm support, or training with both a trackball and forearm support. Outcome measures included weekly pain severity scores and diagnosis of a new musculoskeletal disorder in the upper extremities or the neck-shoulder region based on physical examination performed by a physician.
The trackball intervention had no effect on right upper extremity disorders. “The trackball was difficult for some participants to use,” said Rempel. “Employees with hand pain may want to try them, but they should stop if it is difficult to use.”
I am surprised at the results with the trackballs. I am a HUGE fan of them. I was not surprised with the forearm supports though. Perhaps this article will result in an influx of such devices and will drive the price down.
Last year I wrote an article for Vision: A Resource for Writers titled Alternative Keyboards. At the end of the article is a list of resources that you may find useful.