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guaranteed to cure injuries or prevent the occurrence of injuries. Always consult your health care professional
if you notice discomfort or other physical problems when you use your computer.
Have you been diagnosed with RSI or CTD?
Have you ever been diagnosed with tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndromes, or some other form of repetitive
strain injury (“RSI”), or cumulative trauma disorder (“CTD”)? If so, you should use special care when using a
computer, regardless of your keyboard. Even if you simply experience modest discomfort when using a
traditional keyboard you should use reasonable care when typing. To achieve the maximum ergonomic
benefits when using the Advantage360 keyboard, it is important that you arrange your workstation in
accordance with generally accepted ergonomic standards and take frequent “micro” breaks. For individuals
with existing RSI conditions it may be advisable work with your health care provider to develop an adaptation
schedule.
Establish realistic expectations
If you currently have an injury to your hands or arms, or have had such an injury in the past, it is important
that you have realistic expectations. You should not expect an immediate improvement in your physical
condition simply by switching to the Advantage360, or any ergonomic keyboard for that matter. Your physical
trauma has built up over months or years, and it may take a number of weeks before you notice a difference.
At first, you may feel some new fatigue or discomfort as you adapt to the Advantage360.
A keyboard is not a medical treatment!
The Advantage360 is not a medical treatment nor a substitute for appropriate medical treatment. If any
information in this Manual contradicts the advice you have received from a health care professional, please
follow your health care professional’s instructions.
When to begin using your new keyboard
Consider beginning to use your Advantage360 keyboard after you have a taken a break from traditional
keyboarding– perhaps after a weekend or a vacation, or at the very least first thing in the morning. This gives
your body a chance to rest and make a fresh start. Trying to learn a new keyboard layout can be frustrating,
and if you are working long hours or under a deadline that can make matters worse. Do not overtax yourself
early on, and if you have not been using a keyboard regularly, build up slowly. Even if you are symptom free,
you are still susceptible to injury. Do not dramatically increase your keyboard usage without first consulting
your health care professional.
If your thumbs are sensitive
The Advantage360 keyboard is designed for increased thumb usage compared to a traditional keyboard
which places more strain on the little fingers. Some new Kinesis contoured keyboard users initially experience
fatigue or discomfort as their thumbs adapt to the increased workload. If you have a preexisting thumb injury,
be especially careful to move your hands and arms when reaching for thumb keys and consider customizing
your layout to reduce thumb workload.
Guidelines for using your thumbs
Avoid stretching your thumbs to reach the furthest keys in the thumb clusters. Instead move your hands and
arms slightly, being careful to stay relaxed, and keep your wrists straight. If your thumbs are especially
sensitive, consider using your index fingers instead of your thumbs to activate these keys. You may want to
speak with your health care professional about these options. If pain persists for more than several days, stop
using the Advantage360 keyboard and contact your health care professional for advice.
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