Forearm Supports
What are Forearm Supports?
A Forearm Support is a padded area which
can be used to rest the forearms while
working at a computer. There are two
general types of Forearm Supports, static
and dynamic. Static Forearm Supports
tend to have a larger convex surface area
which allow them to provide support
wherever the individual moves their arms
from keyboard to mouse (or other tasks at
the workstation). They tend to be
formed around the individual in a
semicircle with a cutout for the body,
providing support for the front 180
degrees of the individual. Dynamic
Forearm Supports, while being much smaller
will 'cup' the forearms to allow the
mechanism to automatically move in
conjunction with the arms of the
individual, affording them a wide range of
supported movement.
What are the
Ergonomic Benefits of a Forearm
Support?
The purpose
behind Forearm Supports is to remove the
burden of the weight of the arms from
the upper back of the individual
(especially individuals with a weak
shoulder girdle or trapezius muscles),
and the static load in the neck and
shoulder area.
What are Potential Concerns when
Considering a Forearm Support?
It is critical that the Forearm Support is
at the optimal height. If it is even
slightly too high, the upper arm will be
pushed upwards, forcing the shoulders into a
'hunched' position. If it is too low,
then the user may slump or slouch in an
effort to get the support they seek.
Unfortunately, most users through the day
change their overall seating or standing
posture, which makes the 'ideal' position a
potentially moving target.
In order to support the weight of the arms,
the Forearm Support must be securely
attached to a solid surface which itself is
strong enough to handle the weight of the
arms, and the torque force of the mechanism
adhering the support to the surface.
This means that in the vast majority of
cases these supports cannot be attached to
Keyboard
Arms and the thin trays that
are usually mounted upon them.
Over time some individuals find that their
muscle strength and mass is affected, and
actually develop pain when reaching or
extending their arms without the aid of a
Forearm Support.
For What Types of Tasks / Users are
Forearm Supports Suitable?
Individuals who experience pain or strain in
the neck, shoulders and upper back
(trapezius and rhomboids) may experience
some relief of these symptoms with a Forearm
Support.
What Physical Injuries or Conditions
Typically Benefit from Forearm Supports?
As they will support the arms when extended,
they typically benefit individuals with
Lateral Epicondylitis and
Thoracic
Outlet Syndrome.
