Mouse for arthritis sufferer

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xpd

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#277348 9-Oct-2020 09:50

My father suffers from arthritis and unfortunately is now affecting his ability to grip anything, including the mouse for his computer.

Does anyone know of a suitable mouse replacement that doesn't require a grip ?

Found this, but is there anything else to look at ? https://www.nomorepainergonomics.com.au/products/delux-vertical-ergonomic-mouse-m618

XPD / Gavin

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backfiah

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#2581798 9-Oct-2020 10:08

The "gold standard" in vertical mice is usually the Evoluent: https://evoluent.com/products/vm4r/

It is quite big and bulky (and not cheap). I suggest reading Amazon reviews: https://www.amazon.com.au/Evoluent-VerticalMouse-Regular-Right-VM4R/dp/B00427TAIK

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#2581799 9-Oct-2020 10:09

Have you looked at a trackball? No need to grip, just roll the ball around by whatever means is most comfortable.

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#2581821 9-Oct-2020 11:00

You could try a media keyboard that includes a touch pad so you can scroll with two fingers.

https://www.logitech.com/en-nz/product/living-room-keyboard-k830

Otherwise you might want to look a new computer - laptop / tablet / screen that includes a full touch screen interface so you could use a apple pencil or similar device.

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#2581856 9-Oct-2020 11:29

backfiah:

The "gold standard" in vertical mice is usually the Evoluent: https://evoluent.com/products/vm4r/

It is quite big and bulky (and not cheap). I suggest reading Amazon reviews: https://www.amazon.com.au/Evoluent-VerticalMouse-Regular-Right-VM4R/dp/B00427TAIK

If the price is off-putting, there are plenty of cheap options available at Aliexpress. I've been using a couple of this type of thing for ages now to help with RSI type issues, and they're a good option.

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#2581857 9-Oct-2020 11:32

I don't have a specific answer for you, not having had a close association with severe arthritis. When I was getting RSI symptoms, I switched to an older version of this https://www.logitech.com/en-nz/products/mice/mx-ergo-wireless-trackball-mouse.910-005180.html?crid=7 and really like it.

Those with RSI symptoms frequently shift to a vertical mouse. If you think one of these might do, the Digitus DA-20155 is the most cost-effective one I could find with a quick look.

Both of the above require the usual finger movement for clicks.

I've not seen one in the flesh for a long time, but the old Joystick Mouse might be considered as well, with a rocker on the top used by your thumb for clicking left or right. 3M EM550GPL is one example.

Good luck!

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#2581860 9-Oct-2020 11:39

I've used a 3M Ergonomic mouse (a wired variant) for 15 odd years after getting RSI.

https://www.3mnz.co.nz/3M/en_NZ/company-nz/all-3m-products/~/3M-Ergonomic-Mouse-EM500GPL-Large/?N=5002385+3294776745&preselect=8709380+8710660+8710942+8719922+3293786499&rt=rud

They are great. I see there are now wireless options and different sizes available.

I've also tried the more bulky looking vertical mice and found them nowhere near as comfortable for me.

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#2581869 9-Oct-2020 12:12

xpd:

My father suffers from arthritis and unfortunately is now affecting his ability to grip anything, including the mouse for his computer.

Does anyone know of a suitable mouse replacement that doesn't require a grip ?

Found this, but is there anything else to look at ? https://www.nomorepainergonomics.com.au/products/delux-vertical-ergonomic-mouse-m618

Aliexpress has dozens of cheap air mice like this one. I have bought several for different purposes and they generally work well, though one or two have had issues. But they are so inexpensive, as little as around $5, that it hardly matters.

Although these also include small keyboards, it is the touchpad that might be useful for your father. It is just like one on a laptop, very easy to move the cursor with a single finger, and you can select by tapping.

Some of these devices come with rechargeable batteries but they are also available with regular replaceable batteries. Since they cost so little, it might be worth getting one just to see how it goes.

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#2582058 9-Oct-2020 19:03

If his feet are still ok he could have a couple of switches on the floor wired up as the left and right mouse buttons so he doesn't have to use his hands for clicking.

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#2582061 9-Oct-2020 19:28

Most wireless keyboards with trackpad provide one finger tap left click, two finger tap right click. Tap required is very very light. It takes a while to get used to. Personally I would not recommend anything wireless/bluetooth - battery flats and replacement are a constant pain and guaranteed at inconvenient times.

Sideface

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#2582067 9-Oct-2020 19:55

Logitech MX Vertical Advanced Ergonomic Mouse

NZ $179 at PB Tech

Superb with or without arthritis - but requires several days to get used to it.

My wife (who has severe rheumatoid arthritis which has required hand surgery) loves it.

We both use one. (I don't have arthritis.)

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#2582123 9-Oct-2020 20:49

I have not got arthritis (I think) but was getting a sore hand with a conventional mouse so bought the Penquin Ambidextrous Mouse 18 months ago and find it helpful.

Review: https://www.trackballmouse.org/posturite-penguin-vertical-mouse/

UK Site: https://www.posturite.co.uk/penguin-ambidextrous-vertical-mouse.html

NZ Site: https://techwarehouse.co.nz/search/?q=Penguin+Ambidextrous+Wireless+Vertical+Mouse

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Gordy7

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#2582139 9-Oct-2020 22:00

Could the Tobii EyeX be an option? Probably a bit extreme for your requirements.

https://www.pcworld.com/article/3014523/tobii-eyex-review-the-eye-mouse-is-magical-but-just-not-for-everyone.html

Gordy

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#2582147 9-Oct-2020 22:25

My dad has the most severe psoriatic arthritis you can imagine, and has done since his mid twenties (now almost 70). His fingers are completely locked and disfigured. The only mouse he has been able to use is an earlier version of the one in the video below. They are quite expensive, but his has been going strong for around 20 years.

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#2582156 9-Oct-2020 23:58

Swiftpoint is also supposed to be good. A smaller mouse that you pinch between thumb and forefinger. It's very flexible to different positioning needs. Alternatively it might be a good time to transition to a tablet depending on what his computing needs are.