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Repetitive
Strain Injuries (RSI'S) are Often Caused by
Extensive Computer Use. The Following Factors
Contribute to the Development of these Injuries:
- Repetition: Long
or concentrated hours of typing or use of the
computer mouse, especially if working aggressively
to meet a deadline will increase stress to
the hands and wrists and contribute to the
likelihood of becoming afflicted with an RSI
such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
- Force: A
computer mouse and keyboard require only a
light touch so be aware of the amount of force
you are using. It is said that each keystroke
applied takes about 4oz. Of pressure and if
you add this up, by the end of the day you
have applied more than 50,000 lbs of pressure.
Think if you were in the gym long enough to
lift 50,000 + lbs. Per day? When you apply
this exercise to the finger and wrist flexors
only, they are going to get stronger and tighter
than the opposing extensor muscles and a muscle
/ joint imbalance will eventually occur. Balance
must be maintained between these two muscle
groups to prevent the onset of RSI'S.
- Duration: The
more hours you spend keyboarding or using the
computer mouse, the more likely it is that
you will become afflicted with an RSI, even
if you have a good ergonomic workstation. A
good workstation and proper office setup helps
reduce the amount of stress to your hands and
wrists, but you are still using your hands
and wrists. A good workstation may make it
take longer to get an RSI, but it is still
bound to happen if adequate breaks are not
taken, if the type of tasks you perform are
not varied throughout the day and if you are
not performing exercises in order to prevent
or correct the muscle imbalance that is often
the cause for the development of these types
of injuries.
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