Sitting is one posture that we always do more than standing posture. For example, we sit when we watch shows and movies, dine, work, play video games. Couch potatoes at home do excessive sitting most of the time and at the end of the day find some discomfort due to long hours of sitting.
At work, many employees find themselves sitting most of the time to finish their workload as early as possible or to be done on time. Sometimes, employees are at work for a longer period of time especially when working overtime is necessary. Longer hours of seating are inevitable at the workplace and even at home where most work from home employees do their tasks and activities for the day.
However, it is found through research and studies that excessive sitting triggers diseases such as musculoskeletal disorders commonly involving the spine, joints, and neck, and lower back.
Neck pain, for example, is the source of the most complaints coming from American workers that could lead to serious problems when it is not given more attention and treatment. Other musculoskeletal disorders such as muscle strains and injuries are not given more attention by employers as the cases of such are increasing in the past few years.
With these in mind, there are also things that we have to consider when buying an ergonomic chair. We have to consider the following:
1.Adjustable – The chair should adapt to the needs of the user in terms of efficiency, productivity, freer movements, and individual differences.
2.Backrest- typically “between 12 and 19 inches wide” that naturally support the spine curve, promoting dynamic sitting in contrast to static posture to increase the flow of the blood. As such, the ergonomic chair should let its user to recline for relief of some weight from the lower back.
3.Lumbar support – provides lumbar spine support and stability of the upper body, neck, and head. It protects the spinal cord, and controls leg movements. Its concave curve helps to distribute the weight, which reduces the concentration of stress. Sitting in a chair without lumbar support tends to flatten that curve, which leads to lower back pain.
4.Seat height adjustable – a good office chair is adjustable from 15 to 22 inches off the floor that fits people who are 5′ to 6’4″ tall. With proper height, the user’s feet should be flat on the floor with knees at a 50-degree angle. This reduces stress on the knees and lumbar region.
5.Seat width – standard seat width is between 17 and 20 inches wide. Users should be sitting comfortably with at least one inch on their side of the hips but not that wide that arms need to be stretched to touch the armrests.
6.Seat depth – “needs to be deep enough for the user to sit with their back against the backrest but leaves a space for 2 to 4 fingers between the end of the chair and the user’s knees. At least ¾ of the thighs need to be supported by the seat. Look for chairs that have a seat slider, which lets the user slide the seat in and out while sitting in the chair. “
As an expert in the field of ergonomic furniture, LoctekMotion has been committed to leading the intelligent and healthy office and life style, and has committed to the responsible attitude of five-year warranty for the past 16 years. If you are interested in our products, why not fill out the contact form and inquiries us now!