Office Syndrome - prevent RSI

Mouse
Researchers at San Francisco State University found that reducing the arm extension for your mouse can minimise muscle tension in the wrist. It is also important as reaching out puts twice as much stress on your neck, arm and shoulder muscles as using a trackball. Try to keep your mouse within easy reach so you don’t overstretch your shoulder, arm or fingers to use it. A wrist-rest for your mouse will help keep your forearm horizontal and costs £19.50 from Back2. To keep the mouse within easy reach, it is best to place it in front, beside or in between your keyboard – where you put it will depend on what kind of keyboard you have (i.e. a smaller one without the number pad on the right hand side or a split keyboard with two halves.) Laptops which have a built-in mouse pad, are a good option as well.

Other tips for preventing strain include moving your whole arm when you move your mouse and not just your hand. Also, Chadwick suggests using shortcut keys to reduce the use of your mouse. For example, press Ctrl and P to print, or Ctrl and N for new document.