Taking a Tablet Reduces RSI

Professor Sorgatz is a clinical psychologist, While investigating the increase in repetitive strain injury complaints (RSI) due to ‘mouse arm’, he has concluded that using a pen tablet reduces strain, and is more ergonomic than a regular mouse. The study involved 60 users over a three month period. Most of the users had 10 or more years in computing, using a mouse, but not a pen tablet. Three operations were observed– clicking, click-and drag, and tracking. (All these familiar computing tasks are well-known for causing or exacerbating RSI.) Accuracy, speed and muscle strain were measured, and it was swiftly concluded that a pen tablet is a clear winner in respect of productivity and ergonomic efficiency – ie less strain, less pain. So to keep RSI under control start taking the (pen) tablets. You may even enjoy the side-effects too – more productivity!

Report “RSI prevention through change in Pointing Devices” published June 2007 Research supervised by Professor Dr. Hardo Sorgatz, clinical psychologist, Darmstadt University, Germany.
15/08/2007