(HealthDayNews) -- Spending hours in front of the computer can lead to repetitive stress injuries (RSI), according to the Harvard University Health Services.
Use these basic ergonomic principles to help prevent RSI:
- Place the monitor in front of you with the top of the monitor slightly below eye level.
- Sit up straight in the chair.
- Keep thighs parallel to the floor.
- Place feet flat on the floor or on a foot rest.
- Relax your arms at your sides with elbows at right angles.
- Place your wrists in a straight position, not flexed to the side or bent.
- Lift the heels of your hands off the keyboard.
- Place the mouse as close as possible to the keyboard and at the same height.
- Use a softer touch on the keyboard. Don't pound.
- Take frequent rest breaks. A general guideline is to take a 1-2 minute "micro-break" every 10-15 minutes and a 5-10 minute "mini-break" every hour.
