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.

Most of the designs are made up of two parts. There is a segment usually referred to as a slipper that moves a pointer to control the cursor just like a hand device. Another segment called a pedal allows for clicking and use of short cuts. Using the left and right feet together enables the user to accomplish all the necessary activities.

Many people today suffer from repetitive strain injury, particularly those whose professions involve long hours at the computer like editors and graphic designers. For them such a device provides a means of preventing this type of injury. For those who already have problems with their fingers, like carpel tunnel syndrome or shoulder and neck injuries, using their feet offers a workable solution. People with disabilities involving limited or no use of their hands may also be able to use this type of device.

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.

You may decide that moving the cursor around with your foot is not for you. Even if this is the case, using it simply for clicking can take much stress off the hands. The foot device can work independently without affecting the hand device or any other input devices connected to the same computer.

When using pedals, it is important to make yourself as comfortable as possible in your chair, adjusting the height to make sure your feet reach them easily. It is still important to take breaks as your ankles can also take strain. However, they are less likely to take as much strain as the wrists because feet are used to this repetitive type of activity with the ankles moving constantly.

Although people may think that using their feet instead of their hands is less efficient, this does not have to be true. As long as the best possible foot controlled mouse is purchased, efficiency is actually boosted. Many people learn to work very efficiently with their feet.




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