Ergonomics and exercise are complimentary

There are many methods computer workers can use to reduce RSI risk and promote better musculoskeletal health. These can be divided into two categories: passive and active. Passive methods improve the environment surrounding the computer user, and active methods involve the computer user doing some beneficial physical activity.

It is important to set up your work area so that it supports a balanced posture. This is a passive measure. Breaking up periods of work with regular exercises is an active measure. Such active measures do more than just reduce RSI risk, they promote greater strength and resilience to stress and injury .

Passive measures

Passive measures include changes to the environment that support a balanced body posture, neutral positioning of keyboard, mouse and monitor and as well as glare free lighting, fresh air, etc. Well implemented passive measures reduce stress and strain on the body and thus limit the risk of injury.

Active measures

Active measures produce physical changes in the body through physical activity - typically exercises. These make the body stronger and more capable of withstanding the stress and strain of using a computer. A good exercise program, such as those provided by the Desk Doctor program, comprise 'specific' exercises. These are specific in two ways. Firstly, they are designed to counteract a specific problem in a joint, muscle, nerve or tendon, in the most effective way. Secondly, the program is constructed especially for a specific person. Necessarily based on the results of medical tests, a specific exercise program is carefully tailored to a person's own particular condition and needs.

Active measures rehabilitate problems

Active measures not only prevent musculoskeletal problems from arising but also rehabilitate problems that already exist. This is something that passive measures alone cannot do. The Assessment module of Desk Doctor detects existing problems and includes rehabilitation exercises in the resulting Personal Exercise Plan.

Recommendation

The most complete and effective approach for computer use health is to invest in both a good ergonomic workplace setup and a system that provides a specific exercise plan.