Mouse Arm Disease (M.A.D.)

• Mouse Arm Disease (M.A.D.) is the name Sweden gives to the many problems mice create
• Muscles work mechanically. Any muscle that is tense is doing work
• Holding your hand Palm Down is work even if you are not moving your mouse
• Tired or Injured Muscles slow down blood flow, oxygen levels fall, producing toxins
• Grip overuses flexor (hand closing) muscles, under using extensor (opening) muscles.
  • The imbalance this creates can cause pain when away from the computer
  • Causes clenching and lowers circulation, puts pressure on tendons and nerves
• Palm down, the weight of your own hand and forearm bears down on your Carpal Tunnel
  • Pressure on veins reduces blood flow returning to the heart
  • Wrist rests press even deeper into the wrist making things worse
  • Increases pressure in the Carpal Tunnel (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • It is called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!
• If you apply an ounce of grip for a second and for 3 hours a day, that is 750 tons of grip a year
• Clicking 10,000 times a day (easily done) is over 2,000,000 finger movements a year
• American Journal of Industrial Medicine Volume 41, Issue 4, 2002. 15 Mar 2002
  • Studied 632 new hires using computers 15 hours or more a week
  • Participants kept diaries and were followed for up to 3 years, which showed:
  • Musculoskeletal Symptoms (they hurt but don't see a doctor)
    • Neck & Shoulder 58 cases per 100 person-years
      • In an office of 10 that's 6 cases a year
    • Hand & Arm; 4 cases a year in an office of 10
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders (saw a doctor)
    • Neck & Shoulder; 3.5 cases a year in an office of 10
    • Hand & Arm; 2 cases a year in an office of 10
  • Conclusions
    • Problems are common among computer users
    • More than 50% of users reported symptoms in the first year!
• Keyboard or Mouse?
  • Most users develop dominant side, mousing hand problems
  • Users changing hands develop problems in the other hand
  • Left-handed, who mouse with the right, primarily get right side problems
• Are you likely to get M.A.D.?
  • These statistics would suggest yes.
• Can we help?
  • We know we can: see how the AirO₂bic Mouse™ will help

For a more in depth Understanding of Getting M.A.D., click here.