Wrist rest

A wrist rest (a.k.a. palm rest, wrist support, or palm support)^[1] is a device used to support the wrists while using a computer keyboard or mouse.^[2] Wrist rests have common usage in the workplace.^[3]

A keyboard with a detachable wrist rest.

A padded mousepad with a wrist rest.

Design

Wrist rests can be made from memory foam, gel, leather, or hardwood, the most common being memory foam rests.^[4] Memory foam rests retain impressions for longer, while gel rests quickly return to their original shape.^[4] Gel rests provide more cooling.^[4] Some computer keyboards come with a wrist rest included.^[5]

Ergonomic use

The wrist can be strained by the increased angle when typing without a rest.

There are mixed opinions on whether wrist rests for computer keyboards are a benefit to ergonomics.^[2]

The main benefit of using a wrist rest is increased comfort, especially for those using keyboards over long periods.^[1][4] Usage of a wrist rest can alleviate tension can take away pressure from the neck, shoulders and arms.^[2] Using a keyboard without a wrist rest may increase the bending angle of the wrists, causing strain and tendon irritation.^[1]

Prolonged contact between the wrists and the rest may cause carpal tunnel syndrome or tenosynovitis.^[2] Resting the wrists on a rest while typing may prevent motion of the wrist, causing issues.^[1]

To mitigate potential problems, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends the hands to be elevated above the rest while typing.^[1] While not typing, the rest should contact the hand's palm/heel, not the wrist.^[1] As well, they recommend for the wrist rest's slope and height to match the front of the keyboard, and for the rest to be soft, with a depth of at least 3.8 centimetres (1.5 in).^[1]

Scientific research

A 2004 study published in Elsevier described the literature on the efficacy of wrist rests as "limited, inconclusive, and contradictory".^[3] Some studies have concluded that wrist rests reduce strain while others have concluded rests cause more strain.^[3] A 2018 study looked at a sample size of 25 during prolonged typing.^[6] They found wrist rests to reduce fatigue in the biceps brachii muscle but have no effect on the upper trapezius muscle.^[6]

See also

• Armrest