We have an epidemic of bad posture

#1

Post by pieterhg » Tue, Jul 26, 2016, 3:44 PM UTC

We have an epidemic of bad posture
levels.io

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#2

Post by schmichael » Tue, Jul 26, 2016, 4:05 PM UTC

People aren't static. Many of us fidget quite a lot which does wonders for preventing RSI!

I once had an ergonomics consultant confirm that despite my ridiculously poor posture, my constant fidgeting did wonders for preventing RSI and other forms of strain that occur when you hold a single position for too long.

(Also I barely touch a mouse which probably helps.)

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#3

Post by melling » Tue, Jul 26, 2016, 4:06 PM UTC

He's still not using an ergonomic keyboard. Typical keyboards require the user to press the key to the bottom to activate it, like pushing your finger into the desk. A mechanical keyboard switch activates halfway from the bottom, reducing the extra stress on your fingers.

Here's a collection of other RSI stories, along with other ergonomic information:

https://github.com/melling/ErgonomicNotes

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#4

Post by runin2k1 » Tue, Jul 26, 2016, 4:10 PM UTC

All the ergo adjustments in the world won't help you if you sit in one position all day long with one small set of muscles engaged while the rest are disengaged and slowly atrophying.

The best solution is touched on in the article, but it can't be overstated that actual exercise is the best preventative.

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#5

Post by sjustinas » Tue, Jul 26, 2016, 4:13 PM UTC

Does anyone have an idea why, according to the author, a mouse being wireless is so essential?

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#6

Post by NDizzle » Tue, Jul 26, 2016, 4:16 PM UTC

My solution is to use a lap desk. I have what is called an ePad which is going on 6 years old. I should probably replace it.

I limit my desk time to 3 hours a day.

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#7

Post by gadders » Tue, Jul 26, 2016, 4:17 PM UTC

On top of the exercises recommended in the article, I would also suggest "Band Pull-Aparts". These help undo some of the posture issues from working at a desk.

This is a good instructional video on them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd9VoT1BPAY

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#8

Post by cylinder » Tue, Jul 26, 2016, 4:23 PM UTC

runin2k1 wrote: post #4

All the ergo adjustments in the world won't help you if you sit in one position all day long with one small set of muscles engaged while the rest are disengaged and slowly atrophying. The best solution is touched on in the article, but it can't be overstated that actual exercise is the best preventative.

Easiest solution for an office worker is to just run up and own the stairwell a few times a day. I don't know how so many people just sit still all day, with a big lunch too, then wonder why they feel tired in the afternoons. Their only solution seems to be more garbage Keurig coffee!

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#9

Post by WalterSear » Tue, Jul 26, 2016, 4:23 PM UTC

sjustinas wrote: post #5

Does anyone have an idea why, according to the author, a mouse being wireless is so essential?

IMHO, it's because you can put it where you want, such as on a side table at arm height, rather than where the cable lets you.

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#10

Post by dangerlibrary » Tue, Jul 26, 2016, 4:23 PM UTC

sjustinas wrote: post #5

Does anyone have an idea why, according to the author, a mouse being wireless is so essential?

I can't think of any reason why a wireless mouse would have an ergonomic benefit over a wired one. They are the same size, shape, and orientation, and any decrease in drag from the lack of a cord is more than offset by the increased weight of the batteries.