The Webster Dictionary defines the word “ergonomic” as “an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely.” Basically, because of this ergonomically built items are specifically designed for comfort and performance. Ergonomic seats aren’t any different. They are different from typical office chairs as ergonomic chairs are developed for maximum comfort and productivity. Typical office chairs may not have some ergonomic functions like armrests, adjustable height, lower back support, etc. Basically, ergonomic chairs will probably have a higher level of adjustability compared to a standard office chair.
Why are ergonomic seats important? Well, when you take a seat and add up how much time you might be seated in the seat, it is very important. According to OHSA, a typical office based worker, working a 40 hour week, will spend 25-30 hours in a seated position. Over a twelve month period of time, that’s over 1500 hours in a seated position at work. That amount of time in a seated position puts a considerable amount of stress on the lumbar area of your spine.
There are a variety of different ergonomic functions that improve the fit and comfort of a chair. Characteristics like back support, arm rests, chair height, and chair angle work together to support your body. If all those characteristics and terms have your head spinning, I’d suggest that you concentrate on ride height and back support as your primary focus. Having a variable ride height allows you to set the seat height to your personal tastes. The height that you select will also impact the angle of your lower back so it’s important to test different heights. Back support plays a crucial role in your long term comfort. Look for a seat with variable back support, which is also frequently called “lumbar” support in reference to the lumber area of your backbone. You can also make use of the tilt function on your chair to recline yourself slightly, which will take additional pressure off your spine.
Armrests are another ergonomic advancement that can make a sizeable improvement in overall comfort. As a result of varying desk heights, seats with armrests may not always fit under low or small desks. OHSA has additionally noted that armrests can reduce your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
I do know that all these options can be confusing when it actually comes down to making a decision, so it’s worth your time to comprehend what ergonomic functions are really important. Your level of comfort and health will play a direct role in your efficiency and overall success, so take the time to review your options.
Tags: adjustability, ergonomic chairs, lumbar area, maximum comfort, office chairs, personal tastes, seat height, spine, typical office, webster dictionary