Beware of ‘gorilla arm syndrome’

Constant hand movements on touch screens lead to arm fatigue

Hand gestures made by gaming buffs and techies for mid-air computer interactions, and constant use of touch screens by holding mobile phones towards the face are causing arm fatigue and pain, which is being called the ‘gorilla arm syndrome’ as there is no support system to rest the arm.

A research study by Purdue University’s C Design Lab states that there is accumulation of fatigue from prolonged use of motions and gestures and that is becoming a health concern.

The gorilla arm syndrome occurs when the arm muscles are constantly in motion while using touch screens and other computer or mobile interactions. It is caused as people holding their arms in front of their faces and make small motions like taking a picture, hitting a virtual ball, gesturing towards the screen in a mid-air interaction while playing virtual reality games.

The arm is mid-air with no support system making it feel sore, cramped and oversized.

Dr K. J. Reddy, senior orthopedic surgeon, pointed out that the newer forms of virtual reality applications do not have support system for the hands and arms.

“The mid-air interaction requires a lot of body strength and force. There is pressure on the arm when the movements are carried out. Constant use leads to arm fatigue and it can have a long lasting impact,” Dr Reddy said.

There are three to four severe cases seen every month but only in one or two hospitals in the city.

Researchers are studying the negative impact of these movement and looking for ways to improve the current methods so that the damage caused to the arm can be reduced.

PROLONGED AND continuous use of hand gestures for computer interactions leads to gorilla arm syndrome.

RESEARCHERS STATE that after every session of one minute there must be a rest of 5 to 20 seconds to give the muscle relief and not allow fatigue to accumulate.