Working in Comfort
About Repetitive Strain Injury
2-3
About Repetitive Strain Injury
Because your comfort and safety are our primary concern, we strongly
recommend that you use the Infiniium oscilloscope in accordance with
established ergonomic principles and recommendations. Scientific literature
suggests that there may be a relationship between injury to soft tissues—
especially in the hands and arms—and prolonged improper use of keyboards or
other equipment 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.
What is RSI? Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI—also 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.
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