1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Ergonomics

What is a Repetitive Motion Disorder?

By , About.com Guide

Question: What is a Repetitive Motion Disorder?
Answer: A repetitive motion disorder is a condition affecting a part of the body that is caused by performing the same motion over and over again thereby straining the body part.

Strain occurs when the body part is called on to work harder, stretch farther, impact more directly or otherwise function at a greater level then it is prepared for. The immediate impact may be minute, but when it occurs repeatedly the constant straining cause damage.

The term repetitive motion disorder identifies a large group of conditions that result from using the body in a repetitious way and causing injury by the amount it is done.

These conditions are often focused on a joint and usually affect the muscle, bone, tendon or bursa of the joint. However other anatomical features and areas can be stressed and their response to that strain can be an injury.

Some common examples of repetitive motion disorders are:

The full list of what can be classified as a repetitive motion disorder is quite extensive.

Other terms used interchangeably with Repetitive Motion Disorder are:

  • Repetitive stress injury (RSI)
  • Repetitive stress disorder (RSD)
  • Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
  • Repetitive strain disorder (RSD)
  • Repetitive motion injury (RMI)
  • Repetitive injury
  • Overuse syndrome
  • Cumulative trauma disorder (CTD)
  • Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)
  • More Ergonomics Q&A

    Explore Ergonomics

    About.com Special Features

    Home Allergy Center

    Banish mess, reduce allergens, and maintain a clean, healthy home. More >

    Home Improvements Made Easy

    Inspirational ideas and expert tips to help you pull off your next DIY project. More >

    1. Home
    2. Home & Garden
    3. Ergonomics
    4. Repetitive Stress Injuries
    5. What is a Repetitive Motion Disorder - An Explanation of the Term Repetitive Motion Disorder – Definition of Repetitive Motion Disorder

    ©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

    All rights reserved.