Have you ever wondered how many keys you type or mouse clicks you make during a typical day at the computer? How often do you take a break from the typing and mousing to stretch your legs, and more importantly, your arms and hands? If you're like most other computer users, you rack up thousands of key presses and mouse clicks, working for several hours without a break.
Whether we realize it or not, this can be extremely dangerous behavior. Performing the same actions again and again without rest can lead to Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI). RSI is actually a catch-all term encompassing many conditions, namely carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, and thoracic outlet syndrome, according to physical therapist Jackie Ross in an article on the Typing Injury FAQ Site. However, any of these injuries can occur if we do not stop and stretch while computing or doing other repetitive tasks.
RSI effects millions of computer users. You may already have RSI and should seek medical advice as soon as possible if you experience
Even if you don't have these symptoms yet does not mean that you are immune. As with any medical condition, preventing yourself from getting RSI will be easier and less painful than trying to recover once you have acquired it.
Taking frequent breaks while using the computer can go a long way to prevent RSI. Because the old habit of "pressing on" until we finish remains firmly instilled in many of us, several companies have developed software that actually interrupts our computing tasks, reminding us and, in a sense, forcing us to take breaks. Windows 95/98/NT users can try WorkPace by Kevin Taylor and Robert van Nobelen, BackPack by Ruth Nisenbaum and Cecilia Koren, Stretch Break Pro, and Biobalance. Most of these program show videos which guide us through RSI-preventing exercises during the break. Research has demonstrated that such software can make us more aware of healthy computing and make our time at the computer more enjoyable, rather than filled with pain and stress. For the Mac, try Thomas Reed's Coffee Break or Ergominder.
Research conducted by Arthur Saltzman at the California State University- San Bernardino demonstrated that "Computer operators who used this software program with its frequent short stretching breaks reported that it was definitely
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