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What is Repetitive Strain Injury or RSI?
The soft-tissue injuries where muscles, nerves, or tendons become irritated or inflamed as a result of repetitive motions, excessive force or extremes of motion are known as Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD). A CTD is also known as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

During computer work our muscles are likely to become strained due to diminished blood flow. Adopting a static posture, when sitting in front of a computer, prevents the muscles from relaxing after they have contracted. Blood pumping action to the muscles is reduced and the flow of nutrients required is cut off. Also, waste products that are usually removed by a good blood flow now accumulate around the muscle fibres causing us to feel pain and discomfort.

The muscles used in computer work are the so-called movement muscles. Even though these muscles are used to a lot of activity, constant contraction and relaxation, the static postures we adopt cause them to remain static for long periods of time. Even the postural muscles that are used to less activity can become strained due to poor postures in front of a computer.

RSI is a result of bad posture combined with a poorly designed workstation. It can usually start as a slight discomfort in the hand and can result in soft tissues becoming strained and reduced circulation. These stresses can create tiny tears in the muscles and tendons. For computer users it can be caused by any of the following:

  • Unsuitable chairs
  • Extended hours of typing
  • Poorly designed workstations
  • Stressful conditions
  • Inappropriate use of pointer devices
A common realization is that keyboard designs force an unnatural wrist position which may strain the delicate muscles and tendons of the fingers and the wrists, reducing circulation. Also, the mouse can strain the hand by repetitive use of one finger. For these reasons, alternative keyboard designs and less ‘dangerous’ mouse have been developed that reduce the possibility of RSI.

Apart from poor posture, badly designed keyboards and workstations and the inappropriate use of pointer designs, RSI can be accelerated by any of the following factors:
  • Poor typing technique
  • Unsuitable body positions that place stress on the tendons and the nerves in the hand, wrist, arms, shoulders and neck
  • Lack of adequate rest and breaks
  • Use of excessive force
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