Our Research

We are Team MICE from the Gemstone Program at the University of Maryland. We aim to decrease the prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) through an improved ergonomic mouse design. CTS is a painful degenerative condition caused by repeated stress on the median nerve. Through force and efficiency tests our team will determine both beneficial and harmful design features.

Research Question

How can an ergonomic mouse be designed to decrease the prevalence of CTS, focusing on muscle activity and body positioning, while still maintaining efficiency and marketing appeal for the high-volume computer user?

Project Goal

Team MICE plans to create an ergonomic computer mouse that is an improvement on an existing design or a completely new alternative design.

Timeline

Spring 2008	Proposal Defense Presentation Complete IRB forms to gain approval to conduct focus groups with companies (Business Subgroup) Complete IRB forms to gain approval to conduct EMG, motion capture and activation force testing on college students (Task and Force Subgroups) Learn how to use motion capture equipment
Summer 2008	Apply for grants Contact companies to conduct focus groups Complete computer program for ergonomic mice testing Finalize setup for EMG, motion capture, and activation force testing in laboratory
Fall 2008	Begin new mouse design construction Conduct focus groups Conduct EMG, motion capture, and activation force testing Find experts
Spring 2009	Undergraduate Research Day Complete focus groups and task and force subgroup testing Combine focus group research with EMG, motion capture, and activation force testing to revise new mouse design Develop a business plan Enter business competition
Summer 2009	Begin writing thesis defense Complete data analysis
Fall 2009	Make alterations to mouse design based on data analysis Finalize thesis and obtain feedback Update business plan
Spring 2010	Submit thesis Enter business competition Thesis Defense Presentation Apply to be published in a scientific journal