Home Treatment for Repetitive Stress Injury

[Updated: 2/4/09 with new products]

Say goodbye to your mouse! If you want something drastically different than the alternate mice I listed in the last post, take a look at the options here.

If you know of anything I missed, or have experience using any of these, post a note in the comments and share your experience–thanks!

Joysticks

Joysticks have the benefit of keeping your hands in a vertical, natural posture rather than the palm-down pose of the standard mouse.

• If you have a USB or other joystick already just lying around, there is software available to convert it into a mouse.
• Zero-Tension Mouse — Something between a Vertical Mouse (Covered in the Guide to Alternative Mice) and a Joystick, this one’s made of some gel material that is supposedly easier on the hands, requiring less grip. It’s also available in multiple sizes.
• 3M Ergonomic Mouse Joystick — A joystick made for ergonomic mousing
• 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator PE–A joystick designed for navigating 3d programs, it lets you move up, down, and to any side. Presumably can work like a regular mouse too, or at least help you in Google Earth or 3d apps at work.

Trackpads

Trackpads, or touchpads, are like those found on laptops, but more portable–you can put them where ever is most convenient, move them around or put them in your lap. Some peripheral keyboards are also sold with touchpads. Here are a few examples:

• Adesso USB EasyCat 2 (6×8)
• Cirque Smartcat 4BTN USB Black (4×4.4)
• Touchpad Keyboard — for Macs –Keyboard/trackpad combo

Remote Controllers

These let your hand move around more naturally rather than hovering over the keyboard tray, plus hold the device in a more natural position. Often sold for presentations and PowerPoint use, they can often be used as mice too.

• Hiro Silver Presenter, Laser Pointer, Wireless Mouse
  
• Remote Mouse Control
• The WiiMote is a remote control like device for the Wii game console, but there are hacks available (see the link) to transform it into a mouse device for Windows.
• Computer supply stores like Fry’s Electronics also sometimes offer remotes for sale, especially ones designed for power point presentations.

Pen Style Mice and Digital Tablets

Like pens, but digital — they can do drawing, writing and handwriting recognition too. Some are just little pens, others have pads with other buttons and functions, and the more advanced ones are designed for graphic designers and other digital artists.

• Multifunctional Wireless Z-PEN for PC only-Write/sketch on any surface, then download into the computer later. Also a USB drive.  Not a total mouse substitute, but may help if you prefer to write vs. type.
• Logitech io2 Digital Writing System–like the above, use handwritten notes on the PC, but not a substitute for a mouse
• Graphics/Mousing Tablets –

Our little RSI store has a range of tablets to look at along with accessories that come in handy–carry cases, extra nibs for when the pen nibs wear out (it takes a while).

For the full product list, you can go to Wacom. They’re the big name in graphics tablets; The Bamboo product line is meant for anyone wanting to write naturally and directly into the computer or use the pen to mouse. Besides Bamboo, other products are made with designers and artists in mind, including the Graphire and Intuos tablets that range in size from 4×6 to 12×19.

I got my Intuos off eBay for relatively cheap, and I use it for drawing and occasional mousing. I wouldn’t use it all the time, but often it’s a great relief from the typical mouse.

Hands-Free Mice or Devices

These are different kinds of devices you can use without needing your hands. If you’re disabled or your arms are just too tired, or you want to be able to mouse and type at the same time, they might help you out.

Foot switches –

• Kinesis sells one, two or three button customizable switches. You can get them with a controller or plug them into a contoured keyboard. You still need a mouse or trackpad to move the cursor, but these allow you to click the mouse or perform functions like pressing the shift button or switching to a number pad.
  Mini Review: I have a single button footswitch from Kinesis that works with my AdvantagePro keyboard. It’s great when I remember to use it, but often it gets kicked around and I don’t think about plugging it in.
• Footime NoHands Mouse — These are foot switches that also allow you to move the cursor with your feet and can be used with other keyboards and mice also.

Head movement tracker –

• NaturalPoint has a series of optical tracker devices that track your head movements. My understanding of the device is that you place a dot on your head for it to track, and place the sensor on top of your computer, then move your head where you want the mouse to go. I imagine you could also place the dot on your hand or on a handheld device if you preferred, to avoid neck strain! Probably a good alternative if you have a debilitating injury where hand use is impossible too.

Please feel free to comment and let us know about any tools we’ve missed, or share your experience if you’ve used anything listed above.

Possibly Related Articles:

• Alternative Ergonomic Mice–the Comprehensive Guide
• DIY Computer Input Devices
• Ergonomic Mice and Keyboards — Find The Right One for You
• Improve Your Mousing Style: How to Click and Point More Comfortably
• FAQ– Why Are Good Ergonomic Products So Expensive?