09-26-2003, 03:00 AM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Step Away from the Computer: Take a Break with Workrave
As many of you know, I've struggled with RSI problems throughout much of my computer-using life. While ART therapy has been a good solution for me, the ongoing process of stretching needs to be a part of the solution. If you're anything like me, once you start focusing on something, hours will pass before you even move a muscle or get up. So when I found Workrave, I wanted to pass it along - I plan on installing it and using it myself.
"Workrave is a program that assists in the recovery and prevention of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). The program frequently alerts you to take micro-pauses, rest breaks and restricts you to your daily limit. Please refer to the feature comparison for a complete list of features, and how the program performs with respect to other programs on the market. The program runs on GNU/Linux and Microsoft Windows."
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09-26-2003, 03:03 AM
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Theorist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 258
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This sounds like a pretty good idea depending on how customizable it is. What really gets me is this comparison table of similar products! :lol:
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09-26-2003, 03:12 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,398
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Or you can just install Windows 98 First Edition! It'll re-boot itself every few hours, which will give you enough time to stand up and yell at the top of your lungs (great exercise!).
Or purposely infect your PC with the Blaster worm. That'll do the trick!
:lol:
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09-26-2003, 03:25 AM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 1
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Dvorak Keyboard
I have used a similar program for the past few years called xwrits and it has helped tremendously considering the cumulative effect of years of stress from programming and playing doom every single day for hours on end.
However, if you are serious about working through RSI problems, I would HIGHLY recommend you switch to the dvorak keyboard layout. I have used it for 2 years or so and (trying not to sound overly dramatic) it has changed my life. Whereas, at one point, the tingling in my right fingers and slight numbness in the outside palm of my hand had me fearing for my future ability to work (and play!) with computers, I no longer exhibit any of those symptoms and do not think at all about hand problems. Of course, I still am careful to rest every 20 minutes (I have configured xwrits for 5 minute breaks every 20 minutes) and get enough exercise (also important!) but those days are past.
Here is a good reference link if you're interested:
http://www.mit.edu:8001/people/jcb/Dvorak/
It took me probably a month (cold turkey) to get to a non-frustrating level of proficiency and I probably surpassed my former typing speed within 4-6 months. That was never a goal but, hey, I'll take it. :^)
Good luck and email me if you have any questions!
--frank
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09-26-2003, 03:27 AM
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Thinker
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 443
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Weight lifting... I rarely have RSI problems. 
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09-26-2003, 07:27 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,041
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by qmrq
Weight lifting... I rarely have RSI problems. |
Yup, me too. But considering how many gyms there are and the number of people who visit them, I would say about 5 - 10% of our total population see the inside of a gym on a regular basis.
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09-26-2003, 08:57 AM
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Thinker
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 330
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Good idea. My old motorcycle injuries are starting to hit me now (smashed my left wrist and sholder) and working at my computer can be a pain at times.
I have only the one problem with this bit of sotware and that is the temptation of hitting the skip button everytime it comes up and i'm really busy.
I also have a stress ball I can squeeze when i'm at my keyboard which is great for stretching out those fingers also handy for throwing at people.
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09-26-2003, 10:05 AM
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Sage
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 602
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I downloaded it three hours ago, and it's small, simple and great. I don't have any RSI problems, but this is a great way of preventing it... I adjusted the timers a little bit though... I don't have time to take THAT many breaks :-)
A feature I would like to see, is those exercises to pop up automaticly when you take a break...
__________________
Mobile: Motorola Milestone
Photo: Canon Eos 20D
PC: Several Mac's...
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09-26-2003, 12:08 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 20
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Workpace
I tried Workpace for a month now and was really impressed of how it helped me in preventing pain in my arms and back.
Now that there is a free software is simply great.
Thanks for the link, Jason
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09-26-2003, 05:22 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 192
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The image used in the application is a bit too vivacious & cutesy for distribution in a business office.
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Linear Mode
