Peer-reviewed research
Computer use and carpal tunnel syndrome: a 1-year follow-up study
JH Andersen et al., JAMA, 2003 · DOI 10.1001/jama.289.22.2963
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- A Danish study of trade union members that used questionnaires in 2000 and 2001 and clinical interviews, comparing mouse use and keyboard use with symptoms of possible carpal tunnel syndrome over one year.
- How much weight it carries
- Peer-reviewed and large, with a one-year follow-up and clinical interviews. Based on symptoms rather than nerve tests, and the keyboard finding is a null result, so it cannot exclude a small effect.
Facts taken from this source
- In the same Danish study, keyboard use was not significantly associated with possible carpal tunnel syndrome.
“but no statistically significant association with keyboard use” (Abstract, Results)
- In a Danish one-year follow-up of workers, using a mouse for more than 20 hours per week was associated with possible carpal tunnel syndrome.
“there was an association between use of a mouse device for more than 20 h/wk and risk of possible CTS” (Abstract, Results)