ASSESSMENT OF NATURE AND TYPE OF REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY AMONG SOFTWARE PROFESSIONALS

Abstract

Introduction: Repetitive strain injury RSI, also known as WRULD (work related upper limb disorder), is a term used to denote a group of injuries affecting muscle, tendons and nerves affecting neck and upper limbs.

Objectives: The study was conducted to assess nature, type and awareness of RSI among software professionals.

Methodology: Cross sectional study was carried out using predesigned semi structured questionnaire to assess nature and type of RSI in software professionals.

Result: - Symptoms of 74% software professionals fall into the category of RSI. 86.5% subjects were having more than 10 years experience. 69% subjects complain of poor posture. 83% subjects agreed of using towel roll or any back support. 55% subjects were involved in subconscious frequent self massage. Average weight of all the professionals were 73 Kg and average height was 5’8”, thus the average BMI was 24.47 making all professionals overweight.

Conclusion: RSI is invariably being faced by software professionals. It is definitely causing physical and mental morbidity to software professionals. A large multicentric study is needed to corroborate the findings.