During the Stress and RSI Week last week UT-physiotherapist René Polman waited in vain to demonstrate his RSI-prevention exercises. 'Everybody, of course, is expecting the umpteenth talk about proper furniture, but I want to tell something completely different.'
Therefore no exercises, but there is time for an interview. The physiotherapist takes advantage of this: in this way he can at least get some of his story off his chest. Polman himself blames the empty room on the way in which people handle RSI. 'Every publication, from popular magazines to daily newspapers, say the same thing: sit up straight on a good chair. By now people know all about that, but UT-employees then say that there is no money for new chairs. My message is: a good chair does not guarantee a good attitude.'
An explanation is in order. According to Polman the problem lies with people themselves. 'Those who get RSI often do not go in for sports much and are perfectionists. A good chair will not help someone who does not take enough exercise, takes no breaks, cannot say 'no' to colleagues, and always wants to finish work. It takes attention and effort to stay healthy.'
The physiotherapist feels that for the prevention of the mouse-arm disease 'awareness' is essential. 'Being aware of sitting behind a computer for eight hours a day, and being aware that that takes a certain active attitude.' The physiotherapist: 'Sitting actively is, a straight back, head up, and legs at a ninety degree angle.'
And sports. But Polman does have a comment. The symptoms will not disappear if 'you suddenly start playing badminton twice a week. It is a combination. Both more exercise and an active attitude when sitting therefore.' Walking for half an hour during lunch is exercise too, is his tip. 'You are entitled to that! Try to get some colleagues to go along, should be fun too.'
But what happens if you do have RSI? How do you handle your symptoms when working? Approximately six months ago the UT introduced Workpace, software that can be installed through the UT's intranet and gives a signal when it is time for a short break or a certain exercise.
Polman: 'Many people do not know how Workpace works, or even that it exists at all. Others are critical and feel that the messages announcing a break are exaggerated. But those messages can also be considered as a reminder for an active attitude.' If pain does occur in arms, neck or shoulders, Polman gives the advice to 'distract' the pain stimulus. 'If you feel pain in your left arm, take a small ball in your right hand and squeeze it. In this way the pain stimulus is distracted because the attention is diverted to somethingelse. I would have liked to show some exercises, but unfortunately there is no audience.'
The UT-physiotherapist hopes that especially students will take more care to prevent RSI. Their places of work are often less comfortable than those of employees and they are also more active behind the computer in their own time.
