You perform 50,000 to 200,000 keystrokes a day, if you are an average computer user. Performing that many keystrokes can contribute to repetitive use injuries. Uncomfortable seating and awkward wrist movements can also add to overuse injuries. These injuries take time to develop, and extensive computer use can hasten them. Symptoms can include numbness, soreness, pain, fatigue, discomfort and eyestrain.
Significance
When you are sitting up, relaxed and without strain, that is the correct posture. There should be a straight line from your ears to your shoulders and from your shoulders to your hips. Your torso and upper arms should be close to each other, and your lower arms and wrists need to be parallel to your thighs. Hands and fingers should be relaxed and used gently on the keys and mouse. Neither the keyboard nor the mouse should require force to use.
Benefits
Correct posture at the computer makes you less susceptible to injury. Having the right chair can eliminate back pain, if you sit in the chair properly. A curve for support of your lower back can eliminate back pain. Sit back correctly and avoid perching on the edge of the chair, hunched over the monitor. A mouse that is as flat as possible will reduce wrist strain. A track ball can be a good choice, as it eliminates movement. Placing the monitor the correct distance away from the body can help eliminate eyestrain, sore necks and shoulder pain.
Features
A good workspace will feature the right chair, neither too big nor too small, and the right desk for you, at elbow level when you are sitting down. Your legs should fit comfortably about two inches underneath the desk. Experiment with a different keyboard styles to see which one feels best to you. Position the monitor an arm's length away, about 20 to 26 inches from your face depending on your height.
Considerations
It's important to consider each person's needs when setting up a workspace. You have a different height and weight than your co-worker. That means that your workspaces should be different as well. Try out different chairs, desks, keyboards and mice to be more productive at your job and have less chance of injury.
Prevention/Solution
Frequent rest breaks can help, along with stretching exercises, particularly of the arms, back, and hands. Voice recognition software can reduce the rate of repetitive use injuries. Unusually designed keyboards, such as alternative geometry keywords that allow adjustment of hand positions, offer options. A continuous passive motion keyboard raises and lowers by itself every three minutes, and the keyless keyboard uses domes rather than keys to reduce injury and fatigue.
