|
Here are some images of
what we mean NOT
to do:
 
Recommended
Do use Lexan or hard
plastic mousepads. (Or
the New Contour MouseTray.)
Not Recommended
Don’t reach for
Contour Mouse on desktop or far to right side of keyboard. This can
cause unnecessary strain on the arm, shoulder and elbow.
 
Recommended
 
Two Modes of Operation
Mode #1:Click
here for a demo: --
rest the whole hand on top of the mouse positioned so the base of
the hand is just slightly off the desk top. You use larger arm
motions with the wrist in neutral as indicated in the
"Workstation Setup" (above) portion of this page.
Mode #2: Click
here for a demo: --
move hand back off of the mouse about 1" and use fingertips for
fine cursor control as depicted below.
 
To move cursor down,
slightly pull fingers towards you.
 
To move cursor up.
Slightly open hand to push fingers away from you.
Alternating between Modes
1 and 2 provides healthy postural variations and micro breaks in Mode
1 and precise Cursor Control in Mode 2.
When using the Contour
Mouse with a PC or Macintosh, use of the software to perform
repetitive tasks such as double-clicks and drag-locks can be
programmed to another digit such as the middle and ring fingers to
reduce the work load on the index finger.
Repositioning the Contour Mouse
Click
here for a demo: When needing to reposition the mouse, rather
than lifting the mouse in the air, use the top lip of the thumb
support to slightly tilt the mouse up to the side. This reduces the
pinch force required. Increasing the cursor speed of the mouse also
can help to reduce the frequency of needing to reposition the device.
Proper hand position on
the mouse
To get the most benefit
from the Contour Mouse, you must hold the mouse correctly. Our
ergonomic testing was performed using these hand postures, and you
should find them to be the most beneficial.
  
When you are using the
mouse, your upper arm should hang comfortably from your side and your
forearm should be about parallel to the floor. In this way the bottom
of the mouse is aligned horizontally with your elbow. Keep the mouse
as close to the keyboard as possible to avoid reaching, and so your
arm is positioned consistent with the above description.
Using software for better
cursor control on PC's and Mac's
The Contour Mouse ships
with custom software drivers. It has many features available to
control the behavior of the mouse cursor. Please refer to the
software On-Line Help for complete descriptions of all of the
features of the software.
You should initially try
the Custom Cursor Acceleration feature. This allows you to set the
acceleration of the cursor based on your preference. To access this
feature, click on the Custom button under the Cursor Speed slider
bars in the Control Panel. Please read the On-Line Help option for a
full description of how to use this feature.
Ergonomic
Guide
to
a safer, more comfortable workspace
HOW
TO USE ERGONOMICS TO YOUR BENEFIT
IMPORTANT
NOTES
Please note that the
issues discussed in this guide are recommended for a better, more
comfortable working environment. There are many factors that lead to
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI). Although there is no guarantee,
setting up your workstation with good ergonomics and using good work
methods could help reduce the risk of injury.
If at any time you
experience fatigue, discomfort or pain in the hand, arm or wrist
while working, consult a qualified physician, therapist or RSI
specialist immediately. Pain and discomfort are early warning signs
of potentially severe injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
ESSENTIAL
PART OF TODAY'S WORKPLACE
Computers and computer
use are relatively new to the general population and workforce. The
human body was not designed for long periods of sitting in front of a
computer. As members of the human race, we learn to adapt by working
smart and by using equipment that has been properly designed and
arranged. That is what ergonomics is all about. According to
Webster's Dictionary, "it is the science of equipment design for
the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator
fatigue and discomfort."
HOW
TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ERGONOMIC TOOLS
Ergonomically designed
equipment can help you be more comfortable and productive. Take the
Contour Mouse for example. It's innovative Open Hand Architecture can
reduce strain and injury so effectively that it is the first mouse to
be recommended by hand specialists and ergonomic experts. But to
maximize its benefits and those of other ergonomically designed
tools, you'll also want to make sure that both your workplace and
work habits are designed to minimize fatigue and discomfort.
TAILOR
YOUR WORK SPACE TO FIT YOUR BODY'S NEEDS
Ergonomically, the best
position for your body is one that generates the least amount of
strain on your muscles, tendons and joints. If you work with a
computer, the recommended position for your shoulders and arms is one
in which your:
-
shoulders are relaxed
- upper arms are close
to your sides
- elbows are bent so
that your arm and forearm make a right angle at the elbow
- wrist forms a
straight line with your arm, hand and fingers
Ergonomists refer to this
as a neutral position. The further away your body moves from neutral,
the more stress you put on your joints and muscles. So your
equipment, desk top and movements should all be designed to help you
remain in or near this neutral position.
Do
you have the right office furniture?
If your chair is hard to
adjust or your work surface is not the right height, chances are
you're compensating by placing your body in an awkward position that
places pressure on your muscles, tendons and joints.
If you spend most of your
work day seated, you should have a chair with a:
Is
your computer positioned properly?
To keep your body in the
neutral posture, you must position your computer correctly. You should:
Organize
your desktop to prevent strain.
By arranging the tools on
your desk to minimize reaching, you'll help keep your body in or near
the neutral position and reduce fatigue.
WATCH
TO SEE IF YOUR BODY IS IN NEUTRAL
The Contour Mouse and
your other ergonomic tools facilitate your keeping your arm, wrist
and hand in the neutral position. But old habits die hard. So you'll
want to stop and observe yourself to make sure your body is
positioned correctly.
Here are some reminders
about what to watch for:
PREVENTING
AND RELIEVING FATIGUE AND STRAIN
Repetitive movements and
static postures tire your muscles. To recover, they need brief rest
periods. To relieve the strain and fatigue that can lead to injury:
HOW
TO MAKE THE MOST OF BREAKS
For rest breaks to enable
your body to recover, you need to use them wisely and purposefully.
During your break, you should:
THE
CONTOUR MOUSE: HOW TO HOLD AND USE FOR MAXIMUM BENEFIT.
The Contour Mouse is
different than traditional mice in shape and size. At first glance it
appears rather large. The size of the mouse is an important part of
the ergonomic design. We at Contour Design, Inc. have determined that
to gain the maximum benefit from a pointing device, it must fit and
support the entire hand. Because of this fact, we offer four sizes of
mice for a more exact fit. Please refer to the section below titled
"Selecting the Proper Size Mouse" to correctly size the
mouse to your hand.
SELECTING
THE PROPER SIZE MOUSE
If you have a Contour
Mouse box available to you, there is a chart on the side of the box
to help you select the correct size mouse. Place the crease of your
wrist (the one closest to your hand) on the bottom of the box,
holding your hand flat against the box. Note where the tip of your
middle finger ends on the chart.
If you do not have a box
available, you can measure your hand in the same way. Measure from
the same crease of your wrist to the tip of your middle finger (with
your hand held flat). Compare your measurement with the table below.
|
Hand
Size |
Mouse
Size |
|
Imperial |
Metric |
|
Up to 6-1/4" |
Up to 16 cm |
Extra
Small |
|
6-1/4" to 6-3/4" |
16 to 17 cm |
Small |
|
6-3/4"to 7-1/2" |
17 to 19 cm |
Medium |
|
7-1/2" to 8-1/4 |
19 to 21 cm |
Large |
|
8-1/4" and above |
21 cm or greater |
Extra
Large |
If your hand measurement
falls between two sizes, and you have a relatively thin hand (the
thickness from the palm to the top of the hand) , select the larger.
If you have a thick palm, generally the smaller size fits well. |
