About Repetitive Strain Injury - HP Brio BA400 User Manual

About Repetitive Strain Injury

About Repetitive Strain Injury

Because your comfort and safety are our primary concern, we strongly recommend
that you use HP computing equipment 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, meat-packing, 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 psycho-social factors.
In addition, there have been reports associating the occurrence of RSI with the use of
computer 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.
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