Computer geeks face occupational hazards which are more serious and disabling than those in any other industry, a study has said.

Software professionals are threatened with Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), a debilitating health problem, characterised by persistent pain in finger, shoulder, wrist and neck muscles, which may lead to permanent damage of tendons, muscles and soft tissues.

The study conducted by a team of doctors from Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad on 564 software professionals in the city has revealed that majority of the executives suffered from RSI symptoms caused by intense repetitive movements of certain muscles, poor posture and improper office ergonomics.

According to Dr S Bhaktiar Choudhary, director of Apollo College of Physiotherapy, who conducted the study, about 56 per cent of those examined complained of persistent fatigue, 46 per cent had eye strain and 40 per cent suffered neck and shoulder pain while 44 per cent of the computer professionals had backaches, wrist and hand pain.

"Software professionals who put in an average of 8-9 hours of work a day become vulnerable to RSI within two years of their job," Dr Choudhary said. There are about 20,000 software professionals in Hyderabad, which has been emerging as a major center for information technology.

A computer operator, on an average, uses 10,000 keystrokes and 5,000 mouse clicks in 15 minutes of continuous working. Tendon muscles cannot take such an enormous stress, the Apollo study said. The study, which covered executives below 30 years of age and one to one-half-years of experience in their jobs, was based on a questionnaire and personal examination of the individuals and work environment.

"Poor postures, millions of repetitive movements of fingers and hands, improper back support and foot-rest and improper eye-to-monitor distance can lead to disorders like cervical spondylosis, myofiscial pain syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, carpel tunnel syndrome and chronic backache, Dr Choudhary said.

The Apollo team of doctors has developed a multi-disciplinary exercise module to check RSI incidence that can be implemented at the workplace itself.

A combination of yoga, aerobic warm-up, tendon stretching and exercises to stimulate blood flow and lengthen the shortened muscles, along with balanced diet, would considerably bring down RSI-related disorders, the study said.