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UsefulRest Information
License Type: Free
Price: Free
Current Version: 2.8
Last Update:
May 27, 2008
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Health Protection Software
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[2]
Organizations:
[1]
[2]
PauseMe (microbreak software)
Acarda Technologies
Compatibility: Win 95/98/NT
About the PauseMe (microbreak software):
PauseMe reminds you to take a pause or a microbreak from computer work. There are three different messages that appear unobtrusively on your screen - the first two appear for only a few seconds, while the third stays on your screen for 10 seconds (or a shorter time if you close it by clicking OK). The third Pause can also be set so it covers your whole screen, therefore forcing you to take a micro break. You can set the time intervals for each message to a length of time that suits you best. PauseMe displays a photo image on the third reminder message that you can change and add your own image to once you have registered PauseMe.
RemindMe (exercise break and microbreak reminder software)
Acarda Technologies
Compatibility: Win 95/98/NT
About the RemindMe (exercise break and microbreak reminder software):
RemindMe(tm) prompts you to take an exercise break from computer work. With RemindMe you can use exercises that have been recommended by your own specialist for your personal self-care program. You can add your own exercises, or use the ten example exercises that come with RemindMe. To encourage you to take an exercise break at a convenient time, you can be reminded twice before the exercise will automatically appear. If you need to, you can set the exercise screen so that it will lock you out from the work you are doing, effectively forcing you to take your break. Because everyone has different exercise requirements, you can set the timer so the exercises appear at time intervals that suit you.
Included in RemindMe(tm) are the standard features of PauseMe Microbreak Reminder software. As well as being reminded to take regular exercise breaks, you can have Pause Reminder messages appear. A Pause is a short break of 5-10 seconds for muscle relaxation usually every three minutes or so (though you can change the timing of the messages to suit you). There are three different Pause Reminder messages. The first two appear unobtrusively for a few seconds, while the third one can be set so that you are forced to take a Pause. A photo image that you can change is displayed on the third message.
You can easily see how long until your next Pause or Exercise break by holding your mouse over the RemindMe icon in the system tray. Included in RemindMe are a list of suggestions for setting up your workstation and for taking exercise breaks.
Restie
Allen Cypher's
Compatibility: Macintosh (with Frontier)
About the Restie:
Restie reminds users with Repetitive Stress Injury to take periodic breaks from typing and mousing. You specify the amount of time you want to work, and the amount of time you want Restie to make you rest. The program is initially set for 10 minutes of work, followed by 1 minute of rest.
Restie keeps track of how much time you are actively typing or using the mouse. After a total of 10 minutes of active work time have accumulated, Restie will put up Alerts which prevent you from working for the next minute. If, at any time, you do not do any typing or mousing for 1 minute, Restie will automatically reset its timer, allowing you to continue to work for another 10 minutes.
Restie is an improvement over programs like Coffee Break that simply set a timer. With Restie, if you only use the mouse or keyboard for a total of 4 minutes in a 10-minute interval, you will only accumulate 4 minutes of work time, and you will not be forced to take a break.
Restie also keeps track of your total daily work time, in case you want to limit the amount of time you work each day.
Restie is a Macintosh program that requires Frontier
PastTense
Anyware Limited (NZ)
Compatibility: Windows 3.x, Windows 95/98/NT
About the PastTense:
What Is PastTense?
PastTense is a software tool that can help you to reduce the build up of stress both in general and in specific parts of your body. It can help you to target problems associated with occupational overuse syndrome (OOS), aka repetitive strain injury (RSI), before they occur or (probably for most people reading this) before they get worse.
With PastTense a number of different configuration options can be defined, each of which contains one or more timers to remind you to have a rest. Timers can be set to remind you of anything from taking a short walk around the office every hour to stretching your wrists every 30 seconds - you define the reminder message.
A number of default configurations are supplied with PasteTense and these can be customised to suit your individual needs. You can define up to 10 configurations, each with up to 10 timers. Any one of these configurations can be selected and used at any time.
PastTense does not force you to have a rest by locking up your PC. It may not always be convenient to have a rest 'right now' and the main job of PastTense is to give you reminders based on the rest frequencies that you define.
You are responsible!
It is important to acknowledge that it is your work and rest habits that determine how much tension builds up in your body. To be truly effective, PastTense needs your full commitment to resolving your problems.
RSI Break for Windows
Carter Computer Solutions
About the RSI Break for Windows:
This is a simple program which will interrupt your work at user-defined intervals so you can take a break from your computer. This will help you to prevent RSI (repetitive strain injury) which can take many forms, from headaches, neck pain, and eye strain to tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
RSI Break is non-intrusive. When your break time comes around, a window will pop up notifying you, and you simply click on the "OK" button. When the program is minimized, the icon's caption displays the current time and date.
Break Reminder
Chequers Software
About the Break Reminder:
A break reminder program to help prevent OOS/RSI and to assist in the healing process if these or similar conditions already exist.
Small program interface that discretely runs in the background monitoring your computer use, which uses timers (to your settings) that remind you to take a break
Oosie Micropause
FranzO Software
Compatibility: Windows 95 and Windows NT 4
About the Oosie Micropause:
Oosie Micropause helps you avoid OOS (Occupational Overuse Syndrome) and RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) by reminding you to micropause and do exercises. Written for Windows 95 and Windows NT 4, this product uses Video to encourage self management of OOS.
Exercise Break
Hopkins Technology (distributors)
Compatibility: Windows (3.0/3.1), Mac System 6.0.5 or higher
About the Exercise Break:
Aimed at preventing RSI, this program warns you to take breaks after a configurable interval (or at fixed times). Displays descriptions and pictures of exercises - pictures are animated and program paces you to help you do exercises at the correct rate. Quite a few exercises, can configure which ones are included to a large extent. One useful feature is that when it is running minimised it shows the time to the next break, helping you plan your work to the next break rather than it coming as an interruption.
The new release, 3.0, is renamed Exercise Break, supports Mac and Windows and should include a DOS version. I have been trying out a beta version and it has some useful features, including Typewatch (no relation to the freeware program ...), which graphs your typing rate over time, with optional warnings to slow down and export facilities for spreadsheet analysis. It also includes a full ergonomic checklist online to help set up your workstation, and a picture of correct posture and workstation adjustment.
An unusual feature is the ability to include your own exercises in the program, providing you have access to a Windows SDK, without programming.
Comments
Includes the ability to step backward in the exercise sequence, which is good for repeating the most helpful exercises. Hopefully a number of add-on exercise modules will become available now that it is possible to add exercises.
OosTime
Jonathan Rosanowski
Compatibility: Windows
About the OosTime:
Jonathan has written this program to remind him to take micro-pauses and rest breaks.
Plug-In for Windows
Planet Crafters, Inc.
Compatibility: Windows
About the Plug-In for Windows:
Jonathan has written this program to remind him to take micro-pauses and rest breaks.
MacBreakZ
PublicSpace.net
Compatibility: Mac
About the MacBreakZ:
MacBreakZ! is a personal ergonomic assistant which monitors your keyboard and mouse activity and helps you structure your computer use in a healthy manner, which prevents computer-related injuries from developing.
The main applications for MacBreakZ! are:
* to prevent repetitive strain injuries (RSI) and promote healthy and pain-free computing
* to aid the recovery from repetitive strain injuries
MacBreakZ! achieves this by:
* monitoring user activity and suggesting appropriate times for rest and recovery breaks
* providing a range of stretching exercises designed to relieve muscular tension and improve static posture
* providing ergonomic information on how to use your computer in a healthy manner
Typewatch
Richard Donkin
Compatibility: UNIX (tested on SCO, SunOS, Mach; character and X Window mode)
About the Typewatch:
This is a shell script that runs in the background and warns you to stop typing, based on how long you have been continuously typing. It does not provide exercises, but it does check that you really do take a break, and tells you when you can start typing again.
Typewatch now tells you how many minutes you have been typing today, each time it warns you, which is useful so you know how much you *really* type. It also logs information to a file that you can analyse or simply print out. The warning message appears on your screen (in character mode), in a pop-up window (for X Windows), or as a Zephyr message (for those with Athena stuff).
RSIGuard
RSIGuard Software
Compatibility: Windows 95/98/NT
About the RSIGuard:
RSIGuard was designed by a software engineer experiencing RSI symptoms. Not finding what he wanted in other RSI-related software, he decided to write what he personally needed.
BreakTimer is the most useful break timer available because it models your body's stress and has a much better idea of when you need to take a break.
DataLogger is a complete activity logger that lets you and your health professional monitor how you are using the computer. Stress from typing and mousing are separately stored, as well as typing speed. Hours of work per day as well as how much break time you take is recorded. Using 'RSIGuard Reports', this data can be viewed in graphs over the course of months to watch trends, or verify reductions in work intensity.
AutoClick is a tool designed to avoid one of the most trauma-causing computer actions-clicking a mouse. AutoClick clicks the mouse for you whenever you stop moving the cursor.
ForgetMeNots is a behavior modifier based on the FeldenkraisT method that keeps you aware of your body. ForgetMeNots shows you tips at times of day you specify. It reminds you to be aware of how you're using your body and the computer. Tips are dynamically selected based on how you're working and from a list of tips you select. You can also add your own reminders to the list.
BackPack for Windows
Ruth Nisenbaum
About the BackPack for Windows:
BackPack for Windows was developed by a team of physical therapists who were concerned about the large amount of referals which arrive for treatment suffering from computer usage related injuries.
The uniqueness of the program lies in that series of exercises are presented to the computer user as animated pictures, thus exercising every period of time different parts of the body which increases blood flow, avoids injuries and users feel better.
The program also instructs on ergonomic issues and anatomy by which one can better understand the problems and suggested solutions.
The Reminder
Steve Kellock
About the Reminder:
The Reminder is a great program for those who spend long periods of time at their computer. I try to take breaks every once in a while, but most of the time I just forget! The program is very simple to use. Simply enter the amount of time you want between breaks and the length of the break and away you go. The Reminder will pop up when you should take a break. The Reminder gives you the option to give you an extra 2 minutes to finish up what you are doing before you break.
Bundled in are over 50 interesting and wild facts that gives you something to talk about while you take that break! These facts change daily, so you'll always have something new to talk about.
Highlights:
* Over 50 interesting facts that change daily!
* Customizable alarm
* Configurable time settings
* Unabtrusive display
* Designed for Windows 95
* Easy on system resources
Relax-A-Bit
TGS, Inc.
Compatibility: Windows 3.x, Windows NT
About the Relax-A-Bit:
(Paraphrased from TGS materials) Relax-A-Bit provides a quick pick-me-up by breaking up stationary body postures. Through a progression of tensing and relaxing major muscle groups, circulation is increased and muscles and other tissues are stimulated. Its exercises have been developed by a Physical Therapist with many years experience dealing with problems resulting from stationary body postures and repetitive motion activities.
Relax-A-Bit notifies you, at periodic intervals during the day, that you set, that it is time for an exercise break. If you are on the phone, you can pause the session until you are ready. Once you acknowledge the notification, Relax-A-Bit displays a window in which each exercise is pictured along with a countdown timer for the exercise and textual help clues for the exercise. If you use all five exercise groups, you will perform twenty-eight different exercises in just a little over five minutes.
You can control the interval between break reminders (based on keystrokes or mouse clicks), the exercises displayed, and the delay between exercises.
Coffee Break
Thomas Reed's
About the Coffee Break:
Coffee Break is a simple, Mac-only application designed to help prevent Repetitive Stress Injuries. One of the most important things you should do if you have an RSI or think you're at risk of getting an RSI is to take frequent breaks from your computer. Coffee Break helps to do this by forcing you to take breaks. You can set the length of the break and the amount of time between breaks.
Xwrits
Thomas Reed's
Platforms - Various UNIX versions (uses X Windows)
About the Xwrits:
This program warns you to take a break with a flashing X window. Many options control how intrusive the warning is. For instance, it can pop up a new window every 30 seconds, beep a lot, prevent you from iconifying the window, always place itself at the top of the window stack, or even lock the screen (typing a password is necessary to continue). You can program it to escalate is behavior over time, so it becomes harder to ignore.
The graphics are brightly colored, cartoonish pictures of a hand and wrist. Breaks are scheduled via a timer, but it does keep track of whether you've been typing or not.
CPE Professional Certification Training
Datachem Software, Inc.
Compatibility: Windows 3.x/95 and MAC
About the CPE Professional Certification Training:
We are the market leader in computer-based professional certification examination preparation training. Our software programs provide interactive training that quickly and easily helps you study and prepare for your certification exam. All of our study tools are very easy to use.
Ergo Track
ErgoTRACK Software Inc.
About the Ergo Track:
Ergo Track sets itself apart by creating cutting-edge ergonomic software applications and consulting services. Our product line offers job analysis, workstation layout guides, exercises, recommendations and more. It focuses on practical ergonomic solutions for industrial, office and computer workstations. Our consulting, training and Track Information System focus on the cost-benefit and accountability of safety and ergonomic programs. ErgoTrack is the cutting edge solution to control direct and indirect costs and disability related to carpal tunnel syndrome, and other back, hand, arm and wrist injuries.
RSI Manager
ErgoWare
Compatibility: Windows
About the RSI Manager:
The RSI Manager, the most advanced software of its kind, has been designed to run in the background of your Windows Network Environment providing continuous monitoring of each users keyboard activity while in any Windows or DOS application. Full monitoring and notification capabilities are maintained in both full screen DOS and windowed DOS applications. By using an advanced algorithm with fully adjustable user parameters, the software monitors each users keyboard activity, and warns the user when he/she is at potential risk of RSI, recommending a short break. Users can customize this notification by selecting from a wide variety of audio and visual alarms. A detailed data base is maintained on all users allowing the system administrator to review the work habits of each employee or group and their compliance with suggested ergonomic practices. This gives the system administrator the opportunity to intervene prior to injuries occurring. The RSI Manager utilizes a Microsoft Access database allowing the data to be displayed in a wide variety of custom graphs and reports. Program parameters and reports can be customized for both individuals or task specific groups by the system administrator. When used with the Task Manager, data is collected in a common database.
Task Manager
ErgoWare
Compatibility: Windows
About the Task Manager:
The Task Manager has been designed to run in the background of your Windows Network Environment continuously monitoring each users activity while using the computer workstation. Data is collected on the time spent in each application allowing the system administrator to quickly monitor where and how each user or group spends their time. Detailed records are kept in a Microsoft Access database listing the program and versions in use for each user, quickly identifying outdated or incompatible programs. When used with the RSI Manager, the data is collected in a common database.
ErgoWeb Job Evaluator Toolbox
ErgoWeb
About the ErgoWeb Job Evaluator Toolbox:
The tools you need to identify, prioritize, evaluate and control workplace ergonomic concerns. This comprehensive software brings professional job analysis and design/redesign methods together into one system, including 2D biomechanical strength prediction models, metabolic models (Garg and AAMA), RULA, Liberty Mutual data ("Snook tables") for lifting/lowering, pushing/pulling, carrying, and grip strength, anthropometry, survey forms, checklists, and more. Extensively documented with on-line help, this software is very easy to use, interpret, and apply. It prints reports too!
On-Line Training Program
ErgoWeb
About the On-Line Training Program:
Affordable training adaptable to all knowledge levels. This is a must see innovation in ergonomics training.
ErgoEASER Software
U.S. Department of Energy
About the ErgoEASER Software:
Ergonomics Education, Awareness, System Evaluation and Recording, ErgoEASER, is a new software package that has been developed to aid in identifying, evaluating, and preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Evaluating video-display terminal (VDT) workstations and lifting task design, ErgoEASER offers suggestions on how to address ergonomic hazards and reduce worker disabilities. The U.S. Department of Energy, Department of Labor/Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and the Department of Defense combined efforts to develop this innovative software.
MouseTool (software)
JR Software, LLC
About the MouseTool (software):
MouseTool is a software solution to a serious hardware problem: long hours spent using a mouse can lead to permanent debilitating injury of the wrists. There are many, many mice on the market. They all have buttons that can injure. MouseTool works with all mice, so you can use your favorite, without having to click the buttons. When the problem is caused by clicking buttons, the solution is to not click those buttons.
The basic idea is simple: the MouseTool watches as you move the mouse. When you stop, it clicks. It's an idea that may take some getting used to, but the program itself is surprisingly easy to use. There are variations that let you drag the mouse, or switch to right-clicks or double-clicks. MouseTool also has a stretch break timer that will remind you to take breaks.
Health Protection Software:
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Organizations:
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[2]
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