Software-engineering-based model for mitigating Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) among computer users

Abstract

The incorporation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in virtually  all facets of human endeavours has fostered the use of computers. This has induced Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) for continuous and persistent computer users. Proposing a software engineering model capable of enacted RSI force break was the bedrock of this research paper. A questionnaires based approach was utilized in eliciting information pertaining to RSI within our environment (University of Benin). Out of 300 hundred questionnaires, 260 were successfully filled and returned; and the data obtained was analyzed. Findings from this study show a dearth of knowledge of the subject matter by computer users within our environment, as only 68 (26.2%) of the respondents in this study reported having heard of the term “repetitive strain injury” though as many as 95.39% of the respondents reported one form of  discomfort or the other while working with the computer. 44 (32.30%) respondents indicated arm pain, 84 (32.30%) respondents indicated backache, 16 (6.15%) respondents indicated neck pain, 20 (7.69%) respondents indicated shoulder pains, 12 (4.60%) indicated finger pain, 64 (24.61%) indicated numbness, 8 (3.07%) indicated wrist pain while 12 (4.61%) respondents did not indicate any symptoms. A software engineering proactive model has been proposed based on limitations of previous research works pertaining to inability to enact a formal model capable of force break on computer users when threshold time inducing RSI has been exceeded and our survey results.

Keywords: Software engineering, model framework, Computer users, RSI, Short breaks.