On Thu, 27 Jan 2005, Jose Marquez wrote: > As a translator and as a software developer, I'm surprised that I > haven't exhibited any symptoms of RSI. Does playing the piano really > alleviate this sort of thing to the extent that I haven't had any issues > so far despite my less-than-ergonomic keyboards, chairs and desks? > Anybody know how much of an impact the playing of an instrument can have > on fending off RSI? Speculatively: playing an instrument well requires the ability to keep the hands from tensing and to be aware of fatigue. For some (all?) instruments good posture and correctly-maintained body position are also essential. Those might carry over into typing. I play the flute, and as far as I know it's just not a perfect instrument >from an ergonomic point of view. The viola is supposed to be worse. Probably there's some interplay between wear from performing and the above effects.