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Texting can cause repetitive strain injuries: SpinVox

Voice-to-content messaging service SpinVox is attempting to relieve texters of physical strain with safety guidelines for frequent SMS.

Slightly simpler than thimble-sized helmets, SpinVox has launched a series of guidelines to help prevent repetitive strain injuries. With the overwhelming amount of text messages sent each month, it's no wonder there are countless opportunities for frazzled fingers.

"Obviously we are identifying a growing problem and we are providing a solution for it," said Tony Carter, spokesman for SpinVox, Buckinghamshire, Britain.

"Some people are not as aware of repetitive strain injuries as they are of carpal tunnel syndrome, but now in a younger age group we are beginning to see these symptoms arise," he said. "So, we want to revert back to more traditional forms of contact, like calling and SpinVox's blog posting and voice-to-screen services.

"By calling a single number, SpinVox can convert an entire blog post or message to text and send it to whomever."

According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, last month 16 percent of youths 16-24 were plagued with discomfort in their hands and fingers.

Some cases have even reached beyond to the wrists, arms, neck and shoulders, amounting to nearly 4 million people affected by repetitive strain injuries.

Mr. Carter also said that with the evolution of handset design, consumers will see fewer buttons. He thinks voice will be used more often for applications.

People will have more confidence to use their voice instead of fingers to post content, Mr. Carter said.

SpinVox is fighting the war against finger-frying issues by combining the two most popular methods of communication, voice and text, and creating a new category of messaging called voice-to-screen, which enables users to verbally write out a text message and therefore reduce the risk of cramped hands.

SpinVox has issued guidelines across four continents in four languages - English, French, Spanish and German.

Texters now have the ability to gear up and defend themselves by following the simple suggestions, such as saving a prolonged back-and-forth discussion for a time when a phone conversation would be possible.

Should texters feel any pain in their fingers, hands or wrists, they are advised to stop texting immediately, for it will only get worse.

Texters are encouraged to use abbreviated text-speak to cut down on characters wherever possible.

Many phones have already joined the ranks and offer auto-text features that will automatically complete partially entered words in modes such as T9.

Most texting is reported to occur when texters are idle, so they are further encouraged to find activities that are less strenuous.

They are also encouraged to slow down, take breaks and cut down on needless texting.

Finally, texters are told to take advantage of SpinVox's voice-to-content service.

Alltell, Cincinnati Bell, Sasktel, Rogers, Telstra, Vodacom South Africa and Six Apart, have already deployed the unlimited service for a fee of $5.99 per month.

"Basically, we told the world through publications, helping to raise awareness," Mr. Carter said. "It's a good thing for parents to see.

"These are some things we need to look for, because it's not going to be uncommon for kids to come home and complain about sore hands and fingers," he said. "Now parents will be able to identify it and make use of our suggestions.

"It addresses a growing trend of potential for injury and creates anecdotes for injury to take some time off and rest and to use your voice to create content."