Saturday 26 October 2013

The Advantages Of A Foot Controlled Mouse

By Kelly Wood


A foot controlled mouse, like the more traditional hand operated device, is attached to the computer and allows the user to move the cursor around and click with their feet. This offers a number of advantages such as preventing injuries and increasing efficiency. There are a number of different types of devices available on the market today.

These designs are usually made up of two different segments. One segment, referred to as the slipper, allows users to move the cursor. The other foot controls a pedal, usually with buttons allowing for clicking. Both feet are used together to accomplish all the activities required.

One of the main reasons people use this type of device is to avoid mouse-related injuries. Repetitive strain injuries are caused by extensive use of hand-controlled computer input devices. Using such a device relieves strain on the fingers, wrists, shoulders and neck. People who already have problems like carpel tunnel syndrome can operate a computer in this way without experiencing any pain. Of course this type of device is perfect for those who have little or no use of their hands.

Far from hindering efficiency, such a device can actually boost it. Think about the time wasted in moving one hand continually away from the keyboard to the mouse. Editors can keep both hands on the keyboard and edit using their feet very effectively. Graphic designers too, can increase their production and multitask in this manner, especially when short cuts they use frequently can be programmed in.

Clicking is an easy activity to manage in this way as it does not require much precision. Cursor control, on the other hand, requires some precision and is not as easy a skill to accomplish. However, it is not that difficult and just as driving a car requires learning how to use the pedals, this skill can also be mastered with practice.

Using such a device does not affect any of the other input devices used. This means that you can choose to use devices simultaneously. You have to find out which combination works best for you, offering you the most efficiency while saving you from excessive strain at the same time. For example, computer gamers like the fact that they can click and have their hands free at the same time.

It is important to adjust the chair to the most comfortable position when using the feet so they can easily reach and control the pedals. It is also important to take regular breaks and relax to prevent excess strain on the ankles. However, feet are well able to cope with repetitive activity as they this type of action is required for walking.

The benefits of using a foot controlled mouse are extensive, particularly for those who are suffering from repetitive strain injuries to their shoulders, necks, wrists and fingers. Contrary to the feeling that using such a device affects productivity, it can actually increase it in certain cases. It makes sense that being able to multitask can speed up production. The feet can be used very effectively in this manner by many people, including those who cannot use their hands.




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