While increases in ergonomic awareness and workstation modifications have helped stem the tide of Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), it remains a fact that the loss of employee hours due to RSI is a continuing source of consternation for both employers and employees alike.
We at PBE are convinced that the heart of this matter relates to poor typing performance. Therefore, despite an abundance of equipment options, unless the actual interface between user and equipment is addressed (i.e. typing technique), workers will continue to be exposed to the specter of RSI.
The 102 individuals that comprise this study represent a diverse
vocational cross-section of computer users. These include, but
are not limited to: Software Engineer, Graphic Designer, IT Specialist,
Web Designer, Technical Writer, Administrative Assistant and
Marketing Specialist. Vocational diversity notwithstanding, the
common link between these injured workers is their daily use
of a computer. Each person was trained in a 1:1 (trainer-student) format in an average of just a little over 6 one-hour sessions.
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For the purposes of this study success is defined by the
following criteria:
• Subjective Factors of Pain (see accompanying chart)
• Productivity - Daily Keyboard and Mouse Use (hours/day) |
In
a pre-training survey, the average pain level (on a
scale from 1-10) reported by individuals (n=102) was
4.2. Upon completion of the “Prodigy to Maestro” program,
the average reported pain level reduced to 1.7. Furthermore,
64% of the individuals achieved a “non-ratable" (0-2)
pain status.
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Pain
Levels (Subjective Measurement)
0-2................minimal
(non ratable)
3-4................light (some handicap)
5-7.......moderate (marked handicap)
8-10............severe (precludes work)
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Source:
Physician’s Guide: Medical Practice in the
California Worker’s Compensation System,
1st Ed, 1994
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It
is both heartening as well as a testament to the soundness
of PBE’s training protocols that out of the group of
102 individuals, only one person reported a reduction in their
daily typing hours upon completion of the “Prodigy to
Maestro” program. More encouraging however, is that 42%
of the group reported an increase in daily typing hours while
57% of the group was able to maintain their pre-program typing
capability. On average, an individual in the group was typing
4.0 hours a day prior to the program. Upon completion of the
program, the average daily typing, per individual, rose to
5.3 hours. Moreover, it should be noted that while average
keyboard use increased 1.3 hours per day, there was no degradation
in the overall work status of individuals.
Conducted Works: Second Movement
Results of PBE “Opus 3: Prodigy to Maestro” Training
Program:
81 Group Training Participants
PBE,
has had the privilege of providing on-site group keyboard retraining
at the City
of San Jose through its award winning Health & Safety Department.
The accompanying graph represents a diverse vocational cross-section of
81 individuals who have completed the PBE group keyboard training
classes. At the outset of the PBE program, the average pain level
reported by group participants was 3.0. Upon completion of the program,
the average reported pain level reduced to 1.5.
Conducted Works: Third Movement
Long-Range Results
of PBE “Opus 3: Prodigy to Maestro” Training
Program:
81 Group Training Participants
While
The Prodigy to Maestro training has achieved outstanding initial results,
it is important for us to know: “What are the long-term
benefits of training?” As part of our study conducted with the City
of San Jose, PBE followed the progress of 81 students over a period ranging
from six months to two and one-half years. The results speak for themselves.
Long
Term Benefits of PBE
Group Keyboard Training
(6 months - 2 years after Program. Mean = 15.8 months. N=81)
More data available upon request
