Web surfing may lead to more user injuries than other computer tasks, according to a recent study by ergonomics experts Anthony D. Andre and Jeff English.
Users often surf the Web in their free time, and are less conscious of posture and hand positions.
People frequently lean away from the mouse while surfing, placing greater strain on wrists and elbows. Furthermore, scrolling on a Web page requires constant pressure on the mouse button, sometimes straining a user's fingers. Many Web surfers keep their hands on the mouse while waiting for pages to download, rather than using this as a rest period. According to the study, surfers should move closer to the mouse, switch positions while pages are downloading, use a scrolling mouse, and avoid leaning on the arm that is not controlling the mouse. Copyright Colorado State University , 1999.