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Investigatory Project

Meow the New Mouse


University Of Saint
Louis
Submitted To :
Maribel J. Tacata

Submitted By :
Airah Joi M. Addun
Christine Paguirigan
Tisha Mae Lumaban
Dana Nicole Briz
Peter Macabale
Jaen Brent Llanillo

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Since the computer mouse was invented, people
always thought of it to use, and with that, its design and
appearance. That use is fine, but until now no one ever
solves the designs effect on our health. Thats why the
researchers have created a new design of the mouse to
prevent people from getting muscle pain and numbness
while using it.
The design is a vertical mouse that uses the numb and
forehead. It does not irritate nor strain the median nerve
in our wrist it is ergonomically design to fit both hands,
catering to the right handed and left handed people. It is
nature friendly and nice to hold because it is made of
foam.
The researcher hopes that with this contribution to the
new era of computer technology, the damage to human
health will be lessened and its use will be maximized.
The researchers started thinking about this when he
heard her mother complain about the pain in her right
hand, arm and back when she got home from the office.
She said it was because of the long hours using the
computer. So the researcher thought, what is it about
computer that causes pain? Then he realize that he was
also experience pain in his hand and arm when he plays in
their computer in long period of time using the MOUSE. He
research in the internet and finally found out about the
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME. It started that you get
strains when the median nerve is irritated, usually
because of the position of the wrist, which is twisted, not
neutral.
OBJECTIVE
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

When does it occur?


Hyphothesis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when a nerve is
pinched in the wrist. Because of the compression, the
nerve doe not function properly. This nerve, called the
median nerve, is the connection from the brain and spinal
cord, down to the finger tips.
Significance of the study
The point of the study is to prevent the pain caused
by the long term use of the mouse. It is also to prevent
the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
Scope and Limitations
Scope : In this study, the researcher made a new

design of the new mouse to prevent pains that


usually resulted to CTS.
Limitations : The researcher did not study other
medical conditions that have the mouse as a
suspect of its cause.

CHAPTER 2
The carpal tunnel is found underneath the wrist. Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome is caused by the median nerve becoming
entrapped. It is a small tunnel that is found at the base of the
wrist and runs to the palm of the hand. The wrist comprises of
8 small bones (carpals). Support is given to the wrist by The
Retinaculum ligament, a fibrous band which crosses the font of
the wrist. The carpal tunnel is the space formed between this
ligament and the carpals. The tendons and nerves (in
particular, the media nerve) travel through this space and are
responsible for controlling movement and sensation in the
hand. The median nerve branches out into smaller nerves in
the hand. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when fluid builds up
in the tissues of the carpal tunnel, and causes the tunnel to
become smaller. This leads to a build up of pressure on the
median nerve, which result in numbness, tingling and a
burning sensation in the wrist and hand. It can lead to muscle
damage and wastage. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is more typical
in women and is most common in those aged between 50 54
and 75 84. Excessive pressure on the median and ulnar

nerves, which control your fingers, will first be noticed by a


feeling of pins and needles in the fingers, followed by loss of
sensation and even burning pain. Two separate parts of the
hand can be affected: pinky plus ring finger and the remaining
part of the hand. Special attention should be paid support the
pinky side of the hand which is served by the more exposed
ulnar nerve which runs through a separate tunnel. A minute
bone, the pisiform, acts like a protecting shield. So if you push
your hand on the desk and force it in a gripping, claw like a
position, you stand a good chance to experience pins and
needles and the burning pain. Working from the wrist and
pressing down on the desktop ca increase this risk. The special
shape of the Hand Shoe Mouse provides full support of the
hand and fingers to prevent these complaints. The Dutch
medical Erasmus University developed the Hand Shoe Mouse
especially to prevent people getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
and Repetitive Strain Injury. There are also some researchers
who invented a mouse to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome like
the ortho mouse invented by Dr. Segalle, the joy mouse, and
joy stick.

CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
A. Materials and Equipment

Small Mouse
Soldering lead
Saw
Glue gun
Glue
Soldering iron and paste
Styro Foam
Wires
Screw Driver
Solvent Based
Water Based

B. Procedure

CHAPTER 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
A. Findings
1) The vertical orientation of the mouse
Puts the hand and arm in a normal, neutral
position thus relieving stress by prevented it to twist
the arm.
Does not irritate the median nerve that causes
CTS.
2) The repositioning of the left and right click
No longer uses the index finger, relieving it from
stress and possible CTS.
3) The left and right hand design flexibility
It is comfortable to use for both left and right
handed people.
4) StyroFoam Material
Sustainable and Recycable.

B. Analysis of Data
Based on a series of experiential analysis, we tested
the vertical mouse for a period of time, and a strain is

lesser for both arm, hand, and finger than the typical
mouse.

CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION
The design is effective in preventing CTS because
it places the hand and arm in a neutral position, thus a
normal and ergonomically correct position, which is
comfortable and less stressful.

RECOMMENDATION
Further experimentation regarding its form is
needed. The researcher thinks that the period of time
given was not enough to achieve the most preffered
output.

CHAPTER 6
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Medical Researches
Books
Human Anatomy and Physiology (Second Edition)
Readers Digest Library of Modern Knowledge (Book 2)
Bato Balani
Websites
Medicinet.com
http://www.medicinet.com/carpal tunnel
syndrome/article.htm

Technical Researches
Books
Form, Function and Design Grillo 1961
Websites
Wikipedia.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouse0/028computing0/02g

ABSTRACT

With the entry of the computer technology, comes


the wide use of the mouse. The typical design of the
mouse however has badly affected human health. As a
concerned student, the researcher believes that they can
contribute to the solution of the problem through
scientific notations.
This research was conducted for the purpose of
designing a new mouse that is ergonomic and
environment friendly. It was a wooden vertical mouse that
follows the natural arch of the hand with two buttons for
the thumb and forefinger located on the top and side
surfaces. The mouse is produced by rewiring the
components of an old mouse into properly sculpted
wooden housing to fit the ergonomic requirements.
Results of the survey showed that the MEOW ,
the wooden mouse, is more comfortable to use. The
neutral position of the design resulted to minimal fatigue
and eliminated strains and postural stress on the muscles
and tendons. Grip and hold easy and natural thus work
productivity is increased.
The researchers concludes the proper position and
contour of the mouse has an impact on the fingers, wrists,
and forearm of the user and could result to
CTS and related sickness if not properly designed. That by
designing the mouse in an upright/vertical position with
the proper contours and height, the hand is spared of the
stress, the twists and the resulting numbness. Computing
is now enjoyable, fast and accurate.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to thank the following


people who helped make this research possible.
To my teacher, for the guidance and inspiration in
the fulfillment of this research project.
To our parents and family members for their
advice and support.
To the respondents for their patience and
cooperation.
Lastly, to all those who were part of this work, the
researchers would like to extend his sincerest gratitude.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title
Page
i
Abstract
.. ii
Acknowledgement
.. iii
Table of
Contents
. iv
Chapter 1
Introduction
. 1
Background of the
Study. 1
Objectives
. 1
Hyphothesis
.. 1

Significance of the
study 2
Scope and
Limitations. 2
Chapter 2
Review of Related
Literature. 2
Chapter 3
Methodology
... 3
Chapter 4
Results and
finding 7
Chapter 5
Conclusion
.... 8
Recommendation
. 8
Chapter 6
Bibliography..................
..... 10

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