The most established cause of RSI has been keyboard use. However, certainly typewriters and probably computers can no longer be considered “new� technologies. However, while a generation of sufferers can lay blame on their keyboards, new technologies are exposing the next generation to an increased risk of RSIs.
While appreciating the positive effects of technology, it is important to recognise risk. This section examines the technologies that have arrived since traditional keyboards that may cause RSIs. For the purposes of this report, any device post 1990 will be considered “new�.
Personal planners were very popular in the early 1990s. These comprised a small LCD screen and tiny keyboard for text input. Their convenience was favoured among business-people as a mobile means of carrying a diary, appointment list, clock, contact list, as well as serving other purposes. The tiny keyboards could be likened to regular ones, but containing an exponential risk, because of their miniature nature, which required tighter, smaller muscle movements.
Although early edition games consoles were available in the 1980s, the 90s saw them re-emerge as being compact and portable. The Gameboy (released by Nintendo in 1990) had many benefits: it did not require a TV set to be attached to, and ran off battery power. Games were interchangeable. So, extended travel or times of boredom could pass more quickly with Gameboy as a distraction. At its peak of sales, in 1998, there were 60 million in public circulation globally (unknown, 2000). However, the game required the same, repetitive action of the thumbs. Gameboy, manufactured by Nintendo, was possibly the inspiration for the name “Nintendo Thumb�.
To read more on detrimental effects of Video Games, click Videogames
Mobile phone use has increased each year. By the end of 2004, it is predicted that 82 per cent of Australians will own a mobile phone. “Australia's cellular services are expected to grow by 7% this year, generating revenue of $A8.7 billion,� (Chaisatien, 2004). Mobile phones incorporate many features that the now extinct personal planners once did. The most concerning is the SMS feature which requires multi-tap typing. The standard mobile phone does not comprise a mimiature keyboard. Instead, number keys are repeatedly tapped to create different letters.
For more information on mobile phones, click Mobile_Phone
More recently, MP3 players (and ipods) have become mainstream. These also require jerky movements of the thumbs, but on a lesser scale than SMS on a phone.
To read a list of references on how MP3 players are destroying the music industry, click User:Daniel_Fisher
Looking to the future, far-fetched as it may seem, “channel-surfing� on digital television may become cause for concern. With onscreen programs, and boasting over six hundred channels, finding a suitable program can prove a waste of time and thumb-energy.
There are numerous devices with the potential the cause irreversible damage to users' bodies. Is their convenience now worth the gamble of long-term consequence? Are the public ignorant, or just poorly informed?
1. Chaisatein, W (2004) Press Release: 82% of Australians Will Own a Mobile Phone by the End of 2004, Predicts IDC. IDC website http://www.idc.com.au/press/detail.asp?releaseid=86 9/9/04
Gameboy: http://www.gameswarehouse.com.au/longpage.asp?gameid=7684
Ipod: http://www.apple.com.au/ipod/
BronwynRees 10:43, 25 Oct 2004 (EST)
