A wrist rest (a.k.a. palm rest, wrist support, or palm support)[1] is a device used to support the wrists while using a computer keyboard or mouse.[2] Wrist rests have common usage in the workplace.[3]
Design
editWrist rests can be made from memory foam, gel, leather, or hardwood, 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, a laptop with a foldable wrist rest,[6] a game pad with a stylized Pokémon wrist 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 to ergonomics.[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 cause carpal tunnel syndrome or tenosynovitis.[2] Resting the wrists on a rest while typing may prevent motion of the wrist, causing issues.[1]
To mitigate potential problems, the Occupational 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's palm/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 in Elsevier described 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 a sample size of 25 during prolonged typing.[9] They found wrist rests to reduce fatigue in the biceps brachii muscle but have no effect on the upper trapezius muscle.[9]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f g "Wrist/Palm Supports". Occupational Safety and Health Administration. United States Department of Labor.
- ^ a b c d "Office Ergonomics - Wrist Rests". Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Government of Canada. 2020-11-23. Retrieved 2024-03-15.
- ^ a b c Cook, 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. ISSN 0169-8141.
- ^ a b c d Galang, Anton. Wagener, Yoona (ed.). "The Best Keyboard Wrist Rests of 2024". Lifewire. Retrieved 2024-03-15.
- ^ Bacchus, Arif (2023-01-25). "The best keyboard wrist rest in 2023". Digital Trends. Retrieved 2024-03-15.
- ^ "This Experimental Laptop Design Has a Foldable Wrist Rest". Yahoo News. 2023-04-21. Retrieved 2024-03-15.
- ^ Jacob Ridley (2023-07-05). "A custom-made fighting game pad but it's two ditto". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2024-03-15.
- ^ "My new favorite wrist rest is a mouse — or is it the other way around?". Yahoo News. 2024-03-03. Retrieved 2024-03-15.
- ^ a b Callegari, 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.