The same technological gadgets that make our lives easier are also wreaking havoc on our joints and muscles, and the problem isn't just reserved to working adults. As children and teens are spending more time on video games, mobile devices and computers, they too are feeling the pain. These aches and weaknesses are part of a condition called Repetitive Stress Injury and a new app on iPhone and Android aims to help sufferers of all ages avoid this chronic condition.
 
The AcheBreak app uses the same device that is causing many of these injuries, the smartphone, and uses it to start curing and avoiding them. Designed to appeal to all ages with four fun characters including a puppy and a cool teen, the AcheBreak app takes users through a series of video exercises designed to alleviate the neck, hand and eye strain that can come from text messaging, typing and gaming. The multi-platform, doctor-developed app injects fun into stretching with games and achievements based on the number of times the user has worked through a routine, and offers push notifications to passively remind a user when it's time for a stretch.
 
Developed by Austin, Texas app developer Appiction alongside a registered nurse and clinical psychologist, AcheBreak's game-like format was specially designed to help adherence to the program. Beyond helping with RSI, AcheBreak carries the hidden benefit of helping to condition the body and senses for a faster reaction time and increased agility, a factor that co-creator and RN Lita Van Wagenen hopes will appeal to video-game loving teens obsessed with smartphone games like Angry Birds.
 
"It's hard to get kids to see the long term effects of their actions, especially when it's something like their cell or computer use that seems so small and unimportant," Van Wagenen said. "But a parent wouldn't let their teen ride off in a car without wearing a seat belt and we hope they will start seeing a preventative app like AcheBreak as an important a piece of safety equipment for their children's daily lives."
 
The AcheBreak's push notifications are designed to prompt busy adults to stretch during the work day. The push reminders work passively, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at custom intervals to remind working people to engage in the exercises that prevent RSI. The reminders don't intrude on the average work day and are a valuable way large companies can avoid expensive employee injuries.
 
The app is currently available in both the Android and iTunes market, and works on iPhone, iPod and iPad. For more information on AcheBreak or to find out about volume distribution of the app, visit www.achebreakapp.com or follow the company on Twitter, @achebreak.