AN ERGONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE KINESIS ERGONOMIC COMPUTER KEYBOARD

The two main objectives of this study were to measure and analyse init ial learning rates and electromyographic activity while using the Kine sis Ergonomic Computer Keyboard. Six professional typists learned how to use the Kinesis Ergonomic Computer Keyboard. After an initial learn ing 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 w hile using a standard 101 key IBM PS/2 keyboard. The study showed that the Kinesis Ergonomic Computer Keyboard can be learned to 72% of spee d 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 quic kly to use the Kinesis Ergonomic Computer Keyboard after a break of se veral weeks. Electromyographic data analysis showed that the resting p osture on the Kinesis Ergonomic Computer Keyboard required significant ly less activity to maintain than the resting posture on the standard keyboard for the flexor carpi ulnaris and the flexor digitorum sublimi s. Furthermore, the Kinesis Ergonomic Computer Keyboard reduced the mu scular activity required for typing in the flexor carpi ulnaris, the e xtensor digitorum communis, and the flexor digitorum sublimis.