New 'foot mouse' to combat RSI

18:32 12th January 2009

UK office workers who suffer from repetitive strain injury (RSI) have been given a huge boost with the development of a new computer mouse which is controlled by the feet.

The Daily Telegraph reported yesterday (January 11th) that the new 'foot mouse' has been designed to offer respite for the half a million Britons who are currently struggling with RSI.

The device takes the pressure off the muscles and nerves in the arms, hands and fingers by allowing users to click right or left buttons with one foot on a control pedal, just like on a conventional mouse.

In addition, a slipper is worn on the other foot which is used to help generate the movement of the cursor around the screen.

Phil Guest, company sales manager at Keytools, the British firm which developed the device, told the newspaper: "Musculoskeletal disorders amongst computer users now occur on such a scale that the cost of lost work time and the sourcing of occupational health support services has become a serious issue.

"The foot mouse is a great way to cut down the risk of suffering from one of these disorders."

Mr Guest added that the foot mouse - which can be purchased for £109 - is compatible with Apple Macs and Windows Vista or XP.

Some RSI sufferers have attempted to alleviate their pain through specific movement therapies such as t'ai chi ch'uan, yoga or the Alexander technique.