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Keyboard Positioning

by Laura Inverarity, D.O.
for About.com

Updated September 02, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Proper keyboard positioning can help prevent the development of carpal tunnel syndrome and other aches and pains. It is important to employ proper ergonomics at work to prevent self-injury.

Proper positioning of your keyboard includes the following:
Positioning the keyboard:
Position the keyboard directly in front of you. This makes it possible to type with your shoulders relaxed and your upper arms hanging comfortably.
Adjusting the keyboard height and slope:
Adjust your keyboard slope, so that your forearms, wrists and hands are in their neutral comfort zone.
Aligning the mouse and keyboard:
When using a mouse, position the device immediately to the right or left of your keyboard. Avoid positioning the device too far from the side of the keyboard or toward the keyboard's back edge.

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