Aral Balkan

Orhan Korhan is a research assistant at my dad's university who is studying Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders during computer use. Those of us in the industry probably know it better as RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). Orhan has prepared a questionnaire that he would like your help in filling out.

A couple of years ago, I had such severe RSI that I couldn't move, with shooting pains all the way up my body. Thankfully, physiotherapy, a new chair, changing my typing habits, and not using a mouse has meant that I have been relatively RSI-free in the interim. I've also realized that I personally find it easier and less tiring to work with a laptop on my lap where I can move it around as I work (although I may be quite unique in this based on my conversations with friends). Finally, I've had less symptoms after switching to a Mac but that may have to do with my reduced stress levels more than anything else. All this to say that though the specter of RSI looms close-by always, I've been fortunate that it has not chosen to visit me recently.

My friend Dave, whom I'm working together with on Pistach.io, has not been as lucky recently and has had his RSI resurface (and he's only in his early twenties). RSI is something that most of us will encounter at some point in our lives. It is the reason that badly designed interfaces infuriate me so. A badly designed interface can actually hurt you physically under prolonged use and this is something that I feel we need to talk about more openly in our industry and take steps to tackle.

Before I get too carried away, let me return to the original reason behind this post, the RSI questionnaire.

Details from the questionnaire are below:

You are being invited to answer a questionnaire about Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders during computer use. There are no risks or penalties for your participation in this research study. However, there is substantial potential for benefit. The information you provide will help us learn more about people's experience in computer use and related musculoskeletal disorders.

The Department of Industrial Engineering at the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) may inspect these records. In all other respects, however, the data will be held in confidence to the extent permitted by law. Should the data be published, your identity will not be disclosed.

Please remember that your participation in this study is voluntary. By completing the questionnaire you are voluntarily agreeing to participate. You are also indicating that the questions below have been answered in a language you can understand. All future questions will be treated in the same manner. You may refuse to participate without being subject to any penalty or losing any benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

If you have any questions about this study, please feel free to call or email Asst. Prof. Dr. Adham Mackieh (630 2141) or Research Assistant Orhan Korhan (630 2807). (adham.machkieh@emu.edu.tr, orhan.korhan@emu.edu.tr)

Thank you for your help with Orhan's research and remember to take care of your wrists and hands! Many times RSI is non-reversible and it's best to adopt good practices such as having a good chair, proper posture, taking breaks, and (at least for me) not typing when stressed out (gee, that never happens in our industry does it?) :)

Comments

• Orhan, I am the inventor of the Smartfish line of devices. They wll debut by Oct. '08. We use a ridcally different concept. than other ergonomic devices before it. We have merged robotics with ergonomics to create a keyboard and soona mouse and game controller. The system essentially creates an enviroment that repositions your hands from time to time. Not too often. In this way it counters the effects of RSI by not allowing overdoses of repetition. Without moving so much to annoy the user. Take a look. Feedback is always appreciated. Jack Atzmon, CEO Smartfish Technologies

  by Jack Atzmon on 2008-06-16 21:37:23

• Until a few months ago, I always had stress in my 4th and 5th fingers from using a mouse. There was a slight but constant ache. I have tried a wide variety of mice over the years, and finally got a "Microsoft Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000". It was very difficult to adjust my grip to this mouse, probably because of bad mousing habits. I could tell from the design how I should use it, but my muscle memory wanted me to use it incorrectly. Now, after a few months, I grasp it the way it was intended to be used. I consistently use a light grip and don't need to be conscious about how I the scroll and right buttons. All the effort has paid off. I no longer have any tension or pain when using this mouse, and I operate this mouse quickly and accurately. I'm going to buy a second one as a backup.

  by Philip Spohn on 2008-02-13 17:04:29

• I have recently experienced RSI and possibly the start of carpal tunnel. Spoke to two doctors about my condition. Both told to look at a career change. Those words had killed me, depression had hit me so i stated reading what other people had done to ever come it. Like many people went out there got my self 3-4 mice. “Microsoft Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000″ did help me at the start, but the problem with it was after a month was i couldn't squeeze my hand (some call it a griping issue). So the search went one till i came across a 3M Ergonomic Mouse EM500GPL. What can i say amazed took about 3 days to get used to and about 8-12 days to get back to doing precision pixel work. I would recommend it to any one. After about 2 months my had is recovering I have gotten back most of my gripping strength. I still have the Microsoft N-W-L Mouse 6000 mouse on my desk for a change from time to time. But as soon as put my hand on a any other mouse I feel like throwing it away. Other changes I did was lower my desk to about knee hight got the monitors at eye level,replaced my keyboard with and old school Microsoft natural keyboard, learn some keyboard shortcuts, adjusted my chair properly and finally installed my self a http://workpace.com software to remind me to take brakes and do some stretching. Also I cut down on my weekend work, as we humans where not made to sit in front of computer day in day out hitting keys strokes.

  by Asen Nikolov on 2008-02-13 23:33:43

• I took the survey, although some of the questions weren't particularly well designed. I've had strong RSI pain in my right arm mostly due to the fact that the Apple Wireless Mouse seems better designed for people with hands about 50% smaller than mine. I've switched mouse and take more breaks and it's pretty much gone away. Sometimes after a long day of coding, my right wrist is a bit painful - but breaks and stretches and changing environment every few hours helps.

  by Tom Morris on 2008-02-13 23:20:18

• Sorry about the spelling errors I wasn't able to correct them once they were posted. Jack Atzmon

  by Jack Atzmon on 2008-06-16 21:38:24