Translational Medicine
Open Access

Abstract

Translating Laboratory Research of BIOCERAMIC Material, Application on Computer Mouse and Bracelet, to Ameliorate Computer Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Shoei Loong Lin, Wing Pong Chan, Cheuk-Sing Choy and Ting-Kai Leung

We investigated the effects of a room temperature-emitting far infrared ray ceramic material (BIOCERAMIC) on computer work-related pain and coldness. Thirty-two computer users reporting complaints in upper extremities and shoulders were assigned to play 30-cycles of specially-designed computer game. Each subject was provided with a normal and BIOCERAMIC-made mouse for the game on two different days. When using BIOCERAMIC mouse for the computer game, the most significant improvements among the upper extremity complaints were for wrist, finger, forearm, and partially shoulder soreness. Greater differences in surface temperatures of mouse and hand in BIOCERAMIC group were seen. The most significant difference occurred when using both the BIOCERAMIC cover and bracelet were found to reduce pain sensations. It was concluded that pain intensity and disability were significantly reduced after using BIOCERAMIC mouse for the game. The effect remained during follow-up when using BIOCERAMIC mouse cover and bracelet during their usual computer work.