RSIGuard Anti RSI Stretch Break Software

RSIGuard is an integrated approach to managing repetitive strain injury (RSI), and computer related aches and pains. Its purpose is to reduce repetitive computer activity, to assist you in changing unhealthy patterns of computer use, and to monitor/log your computer workstyle and usage.

RSIGuard v4.0 includes:

•  Intelligent break timing
•  Animated stretches during breaks (with Stretch  Break Technology version)
•  Reduced mouse strain via automatic clicking
•  Ergonomic reminder message
•  Microbreaks
•  Dynamic work restrictions
•  Online ergonomic training
•  Tracking & reporting of key work statistics
•  Highly customisable
•  Multi-user support and network support
•  Easy to use

How does RSIGuard help manage RSI?

RSIGuard combines several valuable tools in one integrated package. Each tool can be individually enabled and customized.

BreakTimer:RSIGuard’s BreakTimer is by far the most sophisticated break timer available. BreakTimer continually analyzes the user’s intensity, quality, and quantity of work as well as natural rest, and then suggests breaks at appropriate times. BreakTimer adapts to user feedback and long-term trends of user behavior. During breaks, RSIGuard with Stretch Break Technology demonstrates stretches via full-motion animations (with optional audio instructions).

BreakTimer

has easy-to-understand settings that provide the flexibility necessary to help prevent and manage RSI. Users let BreakTimer know their current health, their level of willpower to take breaks, whether or not they have a doctor-prescribed work restriction, and other relevant information. In addition to timing breaks to occur when they’re needed, BreakTimer minimizes disruption by starting breaks when it senses a user is naturally pausing. A “Postpone Break” feature lets a user finish work before taking a break, and the “I’m In Pain” button adjusts BreakTimer to prevent further trauma.

AutoClick

AutoClick eliminates the need to do two of the most body-damaging computer activities — grasping and clicking the mouse. AutoClick’s automatic-clicking option simulates a mouse click whenever you stop moving the mouse. Users quickly become accustomed to this tool, and the benefits are immense. Many people with significant injuries are actually able to return to useful computer work with this feature, and the feature may significantly reduce the likelihood of developing an injury.

AutoClick

also provides user-assignable hotkeys on the keyboard that allow a user to perform single clicks, double clicks, triple clicks, right clicks, and left and right drag locks, with simple key presses.

Additional

customizations allow the user to define special behaviors for AutoClick in certain programs or contexts, and to prevent unintended clicks by advising it of situations in which it should not click (e.g., over a Delete button)

ForgetMeNots

The ForgetMeNots feature offers two important tools for preventing injuries — reminders and microbreaks.

Reminders are messages that pop up on the screen to help the user stay conscious of work habits. The messages can include preset RSIGuard messages, custom messages that a user, employer, or doctor write, and messages that RSIGuard temporarily adds when it detects certain unhealthy work patterns. Reminders can be set to appear on a varying schedule to prevent them from becoming predictable

Studies have shown the importance of short, frequent microbreaks (in addition to longer, less frequent breaks). ForgetMeNot microbreaks are 15 second breaks that give users just enough time to breathe, relax their muscles, and continue working, with minimal disruption.

DataLogger

RSIGuard collects extensive information about the way a user is working through both automatic observations and survey methods. The separate ‘RSIGuard Reports’ utility allows a user to view the automatically collected data and correlate it to survey data, and RSIGuard uses the information to adjust the BreakTimer and to add messages to ForgetMeNots. The data can also be exported for use in a spreadsheet, data analysis, or report/presentation tool.

DataLogger automatically records information such as quantity, length, and intensity of work on the mouse, the keyboard, and the two combined. It records how many breaks are taken and how many are skipped. It measures the length of time spent in breaks and resistance to breaks (postponement time).

Health Status Reports allow users to confidentially submit reports about their health either when certain events occur (e.g., increase in pain, change in workload, medical event, etc.) or on a schedule (e.g., every Monday or every 30 days). At your organization’s discretion, the reports can be automatically filed over the internet (or on a company intranet) to your ergonomics coordinator to assist your organization in tracking employee health. These reports can also be superimposed over automatically recorded information to provide powerful cause and effect insights.

Online training

RSIGuard provides basic ergonomic training on topics like hand and wrist position, posture, workstation setup, and keyboard shortcuts. In addition, RSIGuard provides help through frequently updated documentation available online.