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What is RSI?
Repetitive Strain Injury is more commonly known as RSI. Teenagers interact with different
types of media eight hours a day. Whether it’s mobile phones, television or the internet,
overusing technology can lead to injuries like Repetitive Strain Injury. First News takes a look
at how RSI can affect young people – and how it can be prevented.
What is RSI? 5
RSI describes injuries that affect muscles, nerves and tendons. Aches, pain, tingling, swelling
and loss of joint movement are all symptoms of RSI. 375 000 people in the UK, including
young children, suffer from some kind of muscular disorder, due to poor working conditions. It
is, therefore, important to understand the dangers of RSI and how to prevent it.
For pupils at school, lots of factors play a role in the development of RSI: awkward or fixed
positions or stance, the pace of work and repeating tasks can all trigger strain injury.
At home, overusing keyboards, computers, and texting can all cause pain. Sixty per cent of
children who use laptops experience discomfort. RSI can also be brought about by bad
posture, with pain occurring particularly in the neck, back, shoulders and head region. An 15
11-year-old boy at Royal Aberdeen children’s hospital was diagnosed with ‘Nintendonitis’ after
spending too long sitting awkwardly at his gaming machine.
More than 42 million texts are sent every day, and consequently mobile phone users are also
at risk of injuring their hands. Using predictive text can stop fingers aching because it gives
muscles time to rest and recover. 20
At the moment, keyboard skills are not part of the curriculum and only a small number of
schools choose to teach the subject in class. Teaching children the correct way to type and
use a computer may help to lessen the number of those who develop RSI. Schools can invest
in ‘work station flexibility accessories’, such as keyboards and mouse trays, wrist rests, 25
booster seats and pillow backs. It doesn’t have to cost a lot to be comfortable; placing a book
under the feet or a pillow behind your back at home are good ways of improving health and
reducing the risk of RSI.
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Now answer these questions. Write your answers in the spaces provided. For
Teacher's
1 According to the article, which parts of the body does RSI cause injury to? Use
[1]
2 Why are all the headings in this newspaper article written as questions?
[1]
3 This newspaper is clearly aimed at young people. Find three words or phrases that mean
the same as ‘young people’.
3 [1]
4 Give the meaning of each of these words as it is used in the passage. In each case give
one word or short phrase.
When you use a computer please ensure that you make your seat
comfortable sit upright angle the screen to suit your height place a
[Turn over
4
6 Combine these three sentences into one complex sentence. Start this sentence with a For
connective. Teacher's
Use
[2]
7 The writer uses the word ‘can’ many times in the newspaper article. For example, ‘can’
appears three times in the opening paragraph. Explain why the writer does this.
[1]