Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI; or Cumulative Trauma Disorders, CTD) is a 'catch all' phrase that in fact refers to a number of different specific medical conditions, which afflict the nerves, tendons and ligaments (the soft tissues) of the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, shoulder, neck and back.

It is generally believed that RSI is often brought on through the work environment or exacerbated by work practices - therefore it is sometimes referred to as Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) or Work Related Muscular Skeletal Disorder (MSD). While there are various debates within academic circles regarding which term is most accurate, the fact remains that people suffering from these types of injuries are in pain and need help in order to treat, and preferably prevent their condition from occurring.

It is important for the computer user to better understand the possible mechanisms that may lead to an injury and in this process, learn how to minimize the circumstances which may predispose them to the injury.

Although Keytools Ergonomics focuses on computer related RSI, some of the information provided in this web site may be of value to sufferers of RSI that is not related to computer use. Generally the injuries within RSI are easier to prevent than to cure once the onset of the condition has occurred, although there are important steps a sufferer can take to mitigate their risks of further injury (or reduce pain associated with injury).

Causes of RSI
Often RSI is brought about by repeated movements of the same muscles, tendons and ligaments. People as varied as meatpackers, musicians, and computer typists have suffered from RSI. Recently, software engineers have become a group afflicted with the disease. Despite the prominence of repetition (as evidenced by the name Repetitive Strain Injury), the types of injuries that fall under the umbrella of RSI also include injuries brought about by low repetition. This means that, while repetition is a risk factor of RSI, so is awkward posture. Anyone who engages in low repetition of an activity but does so from a position of awkward posture are exposing themselves to the risk of an RSI type injury.

RSI is frequently not the result of any acute event (such as a fall or a direct physical blow) but rather it is the result of a more insidious gradual or chronic development. Therefore, it may be harder to detect the onset of the disease. It is important that as soon as an individual experiences any of the symptoms of RSI, they seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Workplace risk factors in addition to personal characteristics and societal factors are believed to contribute to the development of RSI. MSDs are among the most prevalent lost time injuries and illnesses in almost every industry. For the employer, this can lead to a decrease in productivity and employee job satisfaction. For the potential sufferer of RSI, the level of risk of injury depends on the intensity, frequency, and duration of the exposure to risk and the individual's ability to deal with such factors.

RSI Risk Factors
According to the scientific literature there are, in broad terms a number of risk factors for RSI.
Awkward Posture
Forceful exertion
Repetitive motion
Duration
Contract stresses
Vibration
Other conditions that may influence the presence and magnitude of the risk factors of RSI include:
Cold temperatures
Insufficient rest and recovery time between and during tasks
Unfamiliar work

In addition to these risk factors it is believed that individual factors may influence the degree of risk from specific exposures. There is some evidence to suggest that psychosocial factors related to the work environment might play a role in the development of MSDs. Some scientific studies have suggested that perceptions of intensified workload, monotonous work, limited job control, low job clarity, and low social support are associated with various MSDs. Furthermore individual characteristics may also influence the development of RSI. For example physical limitations or pre-existing health problems may make someone more susceptible to MSD.

While RSI is often work related it is extremely important to remember that this is not always the case. Non-work activities can lead to the development of RSI and the worsening of RSI symptoms. Tennis or golf elbow is essentially a form of RSI brought about by activity that, for the majority of the population, is non-work related. For an individual looking to avoid the risk of RSI they must be aware of both their work environment and their non-work circumstances.

Where the RSI is thought to be work related a two pronged approach is often appropriate. This approach involves both engineering and administrative steps. The preferred approach to prevent and control for MSDs is to design the job (including workstation layout, use of tool and work methods) to take into account the capabilities and limitations of the workforce. This is essentially an engineering control. Our hardware products, such as specialised keyboards, mice and adjustable tables, may be considered an engineering approach. Our software range may be considered part (but by no means all) of the administrative approach.