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RollerMouse Press Release--Major Telecom Study Reveals Fifty-Eight Percent Improvement In Employee Discomfort Contour Design RollerMouse attributed for improvement in productivity, user comfort and reduced ergonomic risk exposure. Windham, N.H. (May 2, 2003) - An eight month long study on the impact of the RollerMouse in Verizon call centers revealed a dramatic improvement in lowering ergonomic risk exposure, user discomfort and motion savings in keyboard and mouse-intensive tasks. One study finding indicated an improvement in elbow discomfort alone by 58%. The RollerMouse, an input device for standard business and personal computer systems positions typical mouse controls beneath the spacebar, reducing the repetitive reaching that normally occurs when using a standard mouse. This centrally located device offloads the repetitive stress on the mousing hand by allowing two-handed use. A pilot study, conducted by Humantech, the largest occupational ergonomics consulting firm, hypothesized that the RollerMouse might be an effective solution for long reaches to the mouse and demonstrated the potential for improvements in productivity, user comfort and ergonomic risk exposure. Initial findings from the pilot study indicated that RollerMouse reduced ergonomic risk exposure for the right hand/wrist, elbow and shoulder when compared to a conventional mouse. Recognizing the value RollerMouse could bring to a call center environment, a study was designed by Humantech and approved by Verizon's National Manager for Inside Ergonomics to test the theory that RollerMouse use will measurably decrease discomfort and ergonomic risk with no negative impact on productivity or quality. Fifty-one customer service representatives from Verizon's southern California offices participated in the study and were asked to replace their current input device with the RollerMouse station. The control group used their original keyboard and input device that included any of the following: a straight keyboard, wave keyboard, touch pad keyboard and standard mouse. The study group used the RollerMouse station in place of their current input device. All participants were asked to complete a discomfort survey to gauge their level of discomfort both before and after the 30-day product trial, as well as being observed by an administrator who captured participant's usage with a digital camera and camcorder for future analysis. Prior to the installation of RollerMouse, the study group reported discomfort in the upper extremities (i.e., hands/wrists, elbows and shoulders). After the study trial, participants discomfort improved by 24% and elbow discomfort alone was improved by 58% for the study group. Woody Dwyer, CPE, managing consultant for Humantech noted, "93% of the study participants did not want to return to their original workstation set up after the study and many noted an immediate reduction in discomfort in the shoulders, elbows and hands/wrists. "It is critical that a new piece of equipment
in a call center doesn't hinder the service representative's time and that
productivity is not affected. The study hypothesis was confirmed at the
completion of this study. RollerMouse is a viable solution to reduce the
ergonomic risk and to potentially reduce employee discomfort without a
negative impact on productivity."
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