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June 18, 2009

Texting with both thumbs stops RSI

Write slowly, and take breaks, say experts

Mikael Ricknäs

University researchers are advising mobile phone owners who text on a regular basis to use both thumbs when sending messages, in a bid to avoid Reptitive Strain Injury (RSI).

Ewa Gustafsson, Ergonomist at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden conducted a survey of 56 adults to identify the physical and muscular effect of various technology related activities.

Gustafsson said using both thumbs stops pain in the hands, arms or neck, while sitting upright with support for both back and forearms while texting, and varying posture will also reduce physical strain.

Other tips include writing slowly and taking breaks when writing many and long messages.

Many of the things users should already be thinking about in order to text safely, as they are the same as when typing on a computer keyboard.

Most people are aware of the dangers of sitting at a PC all day, but awareness when it comes to texting using small keyboards is sorely lacking, Gustafsson said.

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