Why Use Ergonomic Chairs?

Sitting is a position that adds stress to the structures in the spine. To avoid developing or compounding back problems, it is important to have an ergonomic chair that supports the lower back and evokes good posture. In today's society, many will be sitting all day long – either in office environments or operating machines.

Although sitting requires less physical effort than standing or walking, it still puts a lot of stress on the lumbar area. Combined effects of a sedentary lifestyle and a job that requires sitting can lead to many health problems. The selection of a suitable chair is a critical step in preventing health problems for people working in a sitting position.

A well-designed chair allows the user to sit in a balanced position. Buying an ergonomic chair is a good beginning but it must be combined with a proper posture to maximize the benefits!

The selection of a suitable chair is a critical step in preventing health problems for people working in a sitting position. Several basic concepts should be considered:

The same chair does not fit everyone! The users’ body dimensions must be used when selecting a chair so that it does not strain one part of the body while fitting another
As a rule of thumb - the optimal seat height is about one quarter of the body height (the torso-to-leg ratio can vary widely).
One same chair is not suitable for every activity. In other words, an industrial worker requires a different chair than a dentist or computer operator.

Sophisticated seat mechanisms offer a range of adjustment options that enable each chair to be individually adjusted and allow for flexible sitting.

Seat Height	Seat Rest Height	Seat Tilt	Back Rest Tilt	Back Rest Support	Back Rest Depth	Synchronized Seat & Back
Healthy and flexible sitting allows employees to work effectively without becoming overtired. Chairs which promote active sitting mean fewer sick days and improved performance.

Features to look for in an ergonomic chair
The following features are very important to consider when looking for an ergonomic chair:

Seat height - should be easily adjustable.
Seat width and depth - should have enough width and depth to support any user comfortably.
Lumbar support - lower back support is very crucial.
Backrest – should be adjustable in both vertical and backward/forward directions.
Arm rests - should be adjustable.
Swivel - any ergonomic chair should rotate easily .
Stability - a five star base is recommended for most working environments.
Seat material - the material on the seat and back should have enough padding to be comfortable to sit on for extended periods of time.