What Are the Advantages of Office Ergonomics Desk Exercises?

 Ergonomics in the workplace and desk workouts are essential to combat the hidden epidemic of the twenty-first century – Repetitive Strain Injury.

Can a seemingly innocuous mouse and keyboard cause severe injuries?

I was recently a visitor at an ergonomic specialist’s presentation for about 200 Investment Bankers and their employees at their headquarters. The lecturer enumerated the most frequent computer ailments, including upper and lower back discomfort, neck and shoulder pain, and sore wrists, before turning to his audience and asking how many had had one or more of those symptoms. A little more than a quarter of the bankers raised their hands. “If you want the real response, you should rephrase your question,” a young participant said to the ergonomic expert. She then turned to her colleagues and asked, “Is there anybody in this room who has not suffered from one or more of those complaints?” Nobody raised their hand. Why did 75% of bankers opt not to raise their hands despite the fact that they had all sustained some kind of computer injury?

Computer-related injuries are synonymous with Repetitive Strain Injury, or RSI. They are not accidental occurrences that create drama and attract attention in a single second. They sneak up on us unprepared and unprotected, and when we become aware of a problem, determining the reason often takes a long time. As with unhealthy habits, we tend to be embarrassed of them: we feel foolish for allowing small factors such as the distance between the mouse or keyboard and us to grow into such serious ailments via repeated motion. Without knowledge on how to prevent RSI or how to reverse a growing acute issue, we put off taking action until we are forced to.

Computers and other electronic devices are strong tools that are used for extended periods of time by individuals who will find no information in the User Guides about the risk of Repetitive Strain Injuries or how to prevent them. Unlike with medications, whose contraindications manifest rapidly and often dramatically, revealing the underlying reason, the RSI’s gradual and sneaky character provides a lack of responsibility for the issue. The maker offers the hardware and software and is not liable for how they are used. Employers are often unaware of a problem and may be averse to being disturbed by “trivial” issues such as the distance between workers and their keyboards. External advisers are often requested not to include in their reports anything that may result in additional expenses to the business, and going to the gym is seldom considered a remedy for wrist discomfort. Symptoms will be treated by physicians. They cannot be expected to inspect every patient’s workstation or to link a shoulder issue to the usage of a particular gadget.

Given the nature and scope of the RSI problem, the only viable solution is to provide computer users (and other gizmo users) with an integrated software/content accompanying product that includes ergonomic and protective training as part of the package they receive when purchasing/operating the device. Users should have access to ergonomic guidelines and exercises for protection, pain alleviation, and injury reversal.

Desk-Trainer Ltd., a tiny business based in San Rafael, California and Tel-Aviv, has found a novel solution to this issue. Desk-Trainer saw the need for an immediate solution/service to fill the gap and developed a software/content solution that is available as a subscription service through the web and in a corporate version. Their website provides ergonomics advice for the workplace, as well as desk exercises and office stretches to prevent Repetitive Strain Ailments and to alleviate computer-related injuries. Additionally, Desk-Trainer is adapting material for PDAs and cellular devices to help individuals on the go.

Individuals and businesses seeking to minimize the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) and improve employee productivity may consider adopting a proactive approach and investigating products such as Desk-Trainer to avoid lost productivity and medical claims.