CTDs or Cumulative Trauma Disorders are attributed to the repetitive motions and awkward positions when using a computer keyboard. These awkward postures can result in:

• Reduced muscular waste removal
• Static muscle loading
• Increased muscular energy expenditure
• Discomfort
• Injury

In order to prevent the occurrence of CTDs, keyboards have been adapted to allow a more comfortable position for those using them. These adaptations include:

• Split keyboards: Standard keyboards split into two halves.
• Tilted keyboards: These keyboards move with you to allow you to keep your wrists in neutral position, the shoulders relaxed and your elbows at your side.
• Chording keyboards: Smaller standard keyboards with fewer keys. For each character typed the user presses keys simultaneously similar to playing a musical instrument.
• Vertical keyboards: Standard keyboards with their key sections placed upright. This position is considered the neutral position for the forearms and hands.

The adaptations mentioned above improve the pain and discomfort caused by normal keyboard operation with little effect on productivity. If someone is already affected by RSI, he can use alternative keyboards which allow extended periods of use over and above the ones achieved by the standard keyboards. However these adapted keyboards can be quite high or wide which may result in users having to reach farther for the mouse or needing certain workplace changes to locate the keyboard.