This results in less muscle strain in the shoulder as compared to a conventional mouse which is located beside the keyboard. When using a central mouse, the shoulder does not have to be turned outward (Lin, et al., 2014). In addition, the forearms engage in less muscle activity than when using a conventional mouse (Lin, et al., 2014). There are two reasons for this. First of all, the wrist is bent backwards more when using a conventional mouse, so this involves wrist extension. The fingers are also extended almost as far as possible so that the user has to click from this position. Since a centrally positioned mouse does not force this position, the result is less muscle strain. The central mouse is the perfect solution for preventing and also relieving RSI complaints because it keeps the wrist, arm and shoulder in the most ergonomically responsible position.

How using a central mouse affects performance

Several studies have showed that a central mouse is definitely slower than a conventional mouse. Depending on the task being carried out, the time needed to accomplish it with a central mouse takes at least 25% longer (Hertzum & Hornbaek, 2010; Lee & Su, 2008). This is because using a central mouse requires more than a single movement to carry out the task.