That might be a good thought Freida.  I have been thinking that the
technique of movement might also be the cause.  Kinda hard to explain
various methods in print, but keeping the wrist flat, steady and moving the
entire arm, elbow in, is the way I was taught and did not get RPS.  I have
seen alot of wrist movement, rocking and flapping as the handle is turned
and/or elbow sticking out.  Almost everyone I have seen with problems used
this type of motion.   Standing, as I have seen and someone posted earlier,
seems to fit with your thought of being more in line with the microtome as
well. (rising to the higher height of the microtome)   Adjustment of bench
tops to be lower, chairs adjusted to be higher might help as well.  Also,
its called Repetitive for a reason...perhaps working on different
responsibilities would help.  i.e. break up the time of cutting with other
duties rather than crank for hours.

RPS wasn't around a few years ago, just like the word "Stress"  wasn't
coined until sometime after I left the bench and went into Administration.
*grin*  The cure for stress is pretty well documented....deep breathing,
stretches, short breaks, movement, such as walking somewhere to take care of
a different  responsibility.

In other words, break up the time of something your doing steadily,  like
suggested above in Microtomy.

Don Hammer, Retired Guy (old timer) (young old timer, Ha!)
----- Original Message -----
From: <FreidaC@aol.com>
To: <histonet@pathology.swmed.edu>
Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2000 6:37 AM
Subject: Re: Ergonomics


> Why do you suppose that those of us who spent many hours, days, and years
> cutting on the old black AO microtomes did not, and do not, seem to have
the
> carpal tunnel syndrome that is so prevalent now?  Do some of you other
"old
> timers" also agree with this.  I know that that sat much lower and were
more
> comfortable to use than some of the newer microtomes, which require that
you
> elevate your arms more.  That may be some food for thought in this for
some
> of the current designers.
>
> Freida Carson
>
>