Ergonomics and health research data
Study repetitive strain patterns and computer usage intensity with real-world behavioral data from thousands of users across different professions.
Large-scale behavioral data for ergonomics research
Access anonymized typing intensity, mouse usage duration, break patterns, and session length data from real computer users. Unlike lab studies with 20-30 participants, our data represents tens of thousands of users in natural work environments. All data is fully anonymized and aggregated to protect user privacy.
The ergonomics research challenge
Ergonomics researchers studying repetitive strain injury (RSI) and computer-related health issues face significant data collection challenges:
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Small sample sizes in lab studies
Traditional research with 20-30 participants can't capture the diversity of real-world computer usage patterns
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Artificial lab environments
Participants behave differently when being observed in a lab vs. their natural work environment
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Self-reported data unreliability
Users inaccurately estimate how long they work, how often they take breaks, and typing intensity
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Profession-specific pattern gaps
Different professions have vastly different usage patterns - developers vs. writers vs. customer service require separate study
How an ergonomics institute used WhatPulse data
The research question
An ergonomics research institute was studying repetitive strain injury (RSI) risk factors in office workers. Their hypothesis: typing intensity and duration without breaks are key risk factors. But they needed real-world data across different professions to validate their theories and develop evidence-based intervention recommendations.
The data WhatPulse provided
We delivered anonymized, aggregated behavioral data from thousands of users, segmented by profession:
Input intensity metrics:
- Daily keystroke counts per user segment
- Typing bursts vs. steady pace patterns
- Mouse usage duration and click frequency
- Average keystrokes per minute during active typing
Session and break patterns:
- Average session length before breaks
- Hourly activity patterns showing natural breaks
- Sustained usage periods without interruption
- Weekend vs. weekday usage differences
Research findings
Developers show high burst intensity
Software developers averaged 8,200 keystrokes/day but with intense bursts (250+ keystrokes/minute) followed by thinking periods. This burst pattern may increase RSI risk compared to steadier typing.
Customer service has highest volume
Customer service representatives averaged 12,400 keystrokes/day but at a steadier, more consistent pace. Despite higher volume, the steady rhythm may reduce strain compared to burst-heavy patterns.
Natural breaks matter significantly
Users who took breaks every 45-60 minutes (shown by activity gaps in hourly data) demonstrated significantly lower intensity spikes when they resumed work - suggesting breaks help prevent fatigue accumulation.
Mouse-heavy roles show different strain patterns
Designers and CAD workers showed 3x mouse movement distance vs. keyboard-heavy users. Their strain patterns were dominated by shoulder/arm movement rather than wrist/finger issues.
Impact on ergonomic guidelines
The research findings contributed to updated recommendations:
- Break recommendations calibrated to profession - developers need breaks every 45-50 minutes, while steadier typists can work longer sessions
- Burst intensity identified as risk factor - typing at 250+ keystrokes/minute increases strain risk significantly
- Break reminder software optimized - default settings adjusted based on real-world usage patterns for different roles
- Industry recommendations for input device rotation - alternate between keyboard-heavy and mouse-heavy tasks to distribute strain
- Validation of existing RSI prevention hypotheses with large-scale, real-world data
- Published peer-reviewed research with statistically significant sample sizes (N > 10,000)
What you'll receive
Typing intensity patterns
Daily keystroke counts, typing speed (keystrokes per minute), burst vs. steady patterns, and intensity distribution across different user segments and professions.
Mouse usage analytics
Mouse distance traveled, click frequency, sustained mouse activity periods, and correlations with keyboard-heavy vs. mouse-heavy job roles.
Break and session patterns
Average session lengths, natural break frequencies shown through hourly activity data, sustained usage periods, and recovery patterns after breaks.
Profession-specific segmentation
Compare usage patterns across software developers, writers, customer service, designers, data entry workers, and other professions to understand job-specific risk factors.
Sample data format
Example ergonomics research dataset:
| Profession | Keys/Day | Avg Session | Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developers | 8,200 | 52 min | High Burst |
| Customer Service | 12,400 | 68 min | Steady |
| Writers | 6,800 | 47 min | Medium Burst |
Research applications
RSI risk factor studies
Correlate typing intensity, session duration, and break patterns with RSI risk. Identify profession-specific risk profiles and validate intervention strategies.
Ergonomic intervention validation
Test whether break reminder software, ergonomic training, or workstation modifications actually change user behavior based on real usage data.
Workplace safety guidelines
Develop evidence-based recommendations for break frequency, session limits, and workstation setup based on actual usage patterns from thousands of workers.
Occupational health research
Compare computer usage patterns across professions to understand why certain roles have higher RSI rates. Inform occupational health policy and workplace design.
Privacy guarantee
Aggregated behavioral data only
All data is combined across thousands of users. No individual typing patterns or health information is ever shared.
Usage counts and patterns only
We track keystroke counts and timing - never what was typed. Mouse distance and clicks - never where or what was clicked.
Minimum sample sizes
We never provide data from fewer than 1,000 users to ensure complete anonymity and statistical significance for research.
IRB and ethics board friendly
Our aggregated, anonymized data structure typically doesn't require additional IRB approval as it contains no identifiable information.
Advance ergonomics research with real-world data
Move beyond small lab studies to statistically significant, real-world behavioral data. Contact our data partnerships team to discuss your research project and get a custom quote.