Ideal ergo workstation set up

The label ‘Ergonomics’ as used in office seating design has come to be the most common ‘tag’ used in marketing promotions.

SO – WHAT IS ‘ERGONOMICS’ AS IT APPLIES TO CHAIRS?

At its most basic level it is a design that offers both comfort and functionality. These two aspects are key to reducing injury and increasing efficiency.

Advanced ergonomics is what true office chair design should be focused on. This is where we can go further to maximise the level of benefits gained from a chair, based on its ease of use, scientific design and its ability to support each individual user.

Let’s consider the basic scientifically-proven principles in regards to reducing injury and increasing comfort. With specific focus on chair design, they must include:

  • A slightly reclined position
  • Movement whilst sitting
  • Total back support with defined contact in key areas of the back to reduce pressure and maintain posture.

In reviewing the many thousands of ‘ergonomic chairs’ that are available, it can be determined that they will fall into three defined categories based on their functionality; these are as follows:

A) GENERAL OFFICE CHAIRS

  • Incorporate tilt movement in 2 dimensions (seat and back)
  • Basic and fixed back support
  • Can include exercise balls and saddle seat designs
  • They attribute ‘Ergonomic Functionality’ to the seat – and positioning.
  • Credible scientific research has not supported long-term sitting from seat and positioning alone

B) ‘DYNAMIC’ OFFICE CHAIRS

  • In addition to the 2-dimensional movement of General office seating, these include movement built into the back.
  • True dynamic chairs will have an advanced movement-control system in the back and mechanism control.
  • Less advanced chairs which claim to be ‘dynamic’ rely simply on the plastic or mesh backs ‘twisting’ under tension.

C) ‘POSTURE GUIDANCE’ CHAIRS

  • These are the most advanced form of dynamic chairs.
  • They include all of the functionalities of high-end dynamic seating with the most important difference being is they provide total back support with defined contact in key areas
  • All people have different statures and back sizes, and ultimately back support should be personalised.
  • Dynamic backs which only offer adjustable support in one or two areas (lumbar or sacral) cannot provide total contact – which is essential to reduce and distribute pressure associated with long periods of sitting.