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Velcro wrist braces. Padded keyboard rests. Office chairs like beach balls on steroids. All ergonomically designed to prevent and treat workplace repetitive strain injuries (RSI) like carpal tunnel syndrome caused by sitting and typing all day, every day. One of the best things you can do about RSI is to make the problem part of the solution. RSIGuard Stretch Edition collects a variety of ergonomic tools in one easy-to-use package. Its Break Timer uses realistic models to suggest stretch breaks when you need them and leave you alone when you don't. The AutoClick tool cuts down on mouse clicks, and the KeyControl's macros help reduce keystroke. The DataLogger's statistics can help you understand how and when you use your PC, and handy ForgetMeNots issue regular reminders about posture, stretching, and other ergonomic aids. RSIGuard is free to try for 45 days.
Setting up RSIGuard starts with creating a Personal Profile by checking off answers to a series of questions about your work habits, computer use, break time preferences, and so on. We could enable Microbreaks, define Work Restrictions, run a Device Survey, and change our settings at any time via the Setup menu. A small interface and system tray icon handle control duties. The Break Timer appeared on schedule and displayed optional stretch exercise videos. RSIGuard gave us lots of options for responding to its Break Needed messages, including starting our break time anyway even when we didn't respond, which is sort of like showing yourself who's boss, and exactly what entirely too many people need. We could also enable stretch reminders, something else most people need. Pressing Skip Break ends your break early, but a motherly nag asks if work is more important than your health. Well, is it?
RSIGuard's stated mission is to help you develop healthy work habits. Prevention is always better than treatment and has a better outcome, too. You probably spend way more time in front of your computer than you realize. And, as your mother would say, you're slouching. Do the math, then break bad habits and make better ones with help from RISGuard.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of RSIGuard Stretch Edition 4.0.38a.
Publisher's Description
From RSIGuard Software:
RSIGuard helps you avoid getting a repetitive strain injury (RSI) from computer use. RSIGuard's BreakTimer feature contains a realistic strain model that gives stretch break suggestions when they're needed, and doesn't bother you when they're not. The AutoClick feature eliminates shoulder and wrist pain from mouse usage. KeyControl lets you create effort-saving macros. DataLogger keeps track of useful statistics about how your work.
ForgetMeNots remind you to think about things like posture throughout the day so you don't end the day in pain.
What's new in this version: Version 4.0.38a has added a workaround to deal with Office 2003 bug.
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Results 1-3 of 3
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"Very helpful for reducing computer pain."
Version: RSIGuard Stretch Edition 4.0.18cSB
Pros
The breaks have definitely reduced my discomfort, and I like that they're timed to be less intrusive. The ForgetMeNots help keep me conscious of my posture. Since my discomfort is mostly connected to using the mouse, I am trying the AutoClick feature which automatically clicks the mouse for me. I am getting used to it, but it does take some practice!
Cons
I wish I didn't need this software -- but to keep my discomfort to a minimum, I basically do need it.
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"An exceptional break reminder"
Version: RSIGuard Stretch Edition 3
Summary
RSIGuard has lots of useful stuff in it, but I downloaded it (and a half dozen other programs) for the stretch reminders. The stretches are pretty good, but more importantly, it's the only one of the apps I tried that actually seems to time the breaks based on how hard you're working. I really wouldn't waste time on others now (which I wish I hadn't since my wrists hurt trying them all). I bought my copy of RSIGuard and bought a copy as a gift for my brother too! I'm an ergonomics consultant and I recommend it frequently.
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"Very helpful for reducing pain from using computer."
Version: RSIGuard Stretch Edition 3
Summary
This program is excellent. The breaks only come when you need them. The AutoClick feature is more useful than any "ergonomic" pointing device I've tried (and cheaper). And I like having the usage data to see how I'm working at the computer. The ForgetMeNots keep my posture in check. Sure, sometimes it bugs me, but it's actually pretty smart about timing its interruptions to be less intrusive.
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