New Keyboard Proven to Reduce Risk of Repetitive Motion Injury

SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- October XX, 2001 (INB) -- Typists can now reduce their risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries with the new Vertical-Split Keyboard. Any touch typist can use it without re-training. Available online at http://www.safetype.com, the Vertical-Split Keyboard was developed by Ergonomic-Interface Keyboard Systems, Inc. and tested by research scientists at Cornell Universitys Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory http://www.safetype.com/cornell.html.

"With the vertical keyboard, you're virtually never in a high-risk position,' says Dr. Alan Hedge, who led the Cornell study.

The keyboard is essentially two halves of the conventional flat keyboard, which are placed upright on a base. The typist's hands are kept in the most neutral position possible, with palms facing each other and thumbs up. With keys facing outward, the wrists are placed in a neutral, untwisted position. This posture greatly reduces the strain that contributes to Repetitive Stress Injury as well as ordinary discomfort.

Keyboard makers have typically been reluctant to make substantial changes in the design of keyboards," explains Dan Spencer of Ergonomic-Interface Keyboard Systems, Inc. Our new Vertical Split-Keyboard signals a dramatic change in thinking about ways to significantly reduce the risk of Repetitive Motion Injury."

Spencer points out that the keyboard is not offered as a cure for any condition. Nevertheless, typists who are already experiencing some discomfort usually find that the completely neutral posture eases their pain.

Developed by Scottsdale, AZ-based Ergonomic-Interface Keyboard Systems, Inc., the Vertical-Split Keyboard is now being manufactured and is expected to be available by the first of the year. Details of the keyboard, together with the full Cornell report, may be seen on the company's web site at http://www.safetype.com.

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