8. Working in Comfort

To optimize your comfort and productivity, it is important that you set up your work area correctly and use your instrument properly. With that in mind, we have developed some setup and use recommendations for you to follow based on established ergonomic principles. Improper and prolonged use of input devices are among those tasks that have been associated with repetitive strain injury (RSI) to soft tissues in the hands and arms. If you experience discomfort or pain while using the instrument, discontinue use immediately and consult your physician as soon as possible. You may also wish to consult your employer's human resources department or other relevant departments for guidance specific to your company.

About Repetitive Strain Injury

Because your comfort and safety are our primary concern, we strongly recommend that you use this instrument in accordance with established ergonomic principles and recommendations. Scientific literature suggests that there may be a relationship between injury to soft tissuesespecially in the hands and armsand prolonged improper use of input devices requiring repeated motions of the hands and forearms. This literature also suggests that there are many other risk factors that may increase the chance of such injury, commonly called Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

What is RSI? Repetitive Strain Injury (RSIalso known as cumulative trauma disorder or repetitive motion injury) is a type of injury where soft tissues in the body, such as muscles, nerves, or tendons, become irritated or inflamed. RSI has been a reported problem for those who perform repetitive tasks such as assembly line work, meatpacking, sewing, playing musical instruments, and computer work. RSI also has been observed in those who frequently engage in activities such as carpentry, knitting, housework, gardening, tennis, windsurfing and lifting children.

What causes RSI? The specific causes of RSI have not been established. Nevertheless, the incidence of RSI has been associated with a variety of risk factors, including

• Too many uninterrupted repetitions of an activity or motion.
• Performing an activity in an awkward or unnatural posture.
• Maintaining static posture for prolonged periods.
• Failing to take frequent short breaks.
• Other environmental and psychosocial factors.

In addition, there have been reports associating the occurrence of RSI with the use of keyboards, mice, and other input devices. Also, certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, obesity and diabetes, may predispose some people to this type of injury.

What if I experience discomfort? If you are experiencing any discomfort, seek professional medical advice immediately. Typically, the earlier a problem is diagnosed and treated, the easier it is to resolve.

Mice and Other Input Devices

Various aspects of using mice and other input devices may increase your risk of discomfort or injury. Observing the following recommendations may reduce that risk.

• Try to keep your hand, wrist, and forearm in a neutral position while using your mouse or other input device.
• If you use your thumb to rotate the ball on a trackball, keep it in a relaxed, natural shape, and maintain a neutral posture in your hand, wrist, and forearm.
• Hold the mouse gently by draping your fingers over it. Keep your hand relaxed and fingers loose. Do not grip the mouse tightly.
• It takes very little pressure or force from your fingers to activate the buttons or scroll wheel on your mouse, scrolling mouse, trackball, or other input device. Using too much force can place unnecessary stress on the tendons and muscles in your hands, wrists, and forearms.
• If you are using a scrolling mouse, be sure to keep your fingers and hand in a relaxed, neutral position when activating the scroll wheel. Also, this type of mouse features software that can minimize the number of mouse movements or button clicks.
• When using a mouse, trackball, or other input device, position it as close to the keyboard as possible, and keep it at the same level as you do not have to stretch while using it.
• Use a good quality mouse pad to enable the mouse to work most effectively and reduce unnecessary hand and wrist movements.
• Be sure to keep your mouse and trackball clean. Regular removal of accumulated dust and dirt helps ensure proper tracking and reduces unnecessary hand and wrist motions.