Improper workstation configuration strains different areas of the body from neck to wrists. The increased number of people using computers has provoked a surge in ergonomic designs for mouse pads and keyboards, but there is still a lot to be done. The force of the movement is a particular factor for RSI in typists. The fingers of typists whose speed is 60 words per minute may exert up to 25 tons of pressure each day. Taking frequent breaks throughout the day is a necessity.
Musicians comprise a special risk group for repetitive stress injuries.
A large percentage of musicians develop physical problems related to playing their instruments. This risk is complicated if they are also computer users. Computer-induced tendonitis is aggravated by guitar and violin playing, amongst other instruments. The shock percussionists subject their wrists and arms to make them susceptible to a larger degree of injuries . At high risk for RSI are those people whose occupations combine force and repetition of the same motion in the fingers and hand for long periods of time.