Elements of an Ideal Ergonomic Chair Design

Tap to Read ➤ Ashwini Kulkarni Sule

If you spend long hours working on a computer, then an ergonomic chair is what you need to make your time at the workstation more comfortable.

Are you into a job that requires you to work long hours doing repetitive tasks? If yes, then you must not be new to the back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, etc. Incorrect posture and faulty design of the chair is what contributes to the mentioned problems. An ergonomic chair can be a solution to these problems.

These are special chairs designed on the principle of ergonomics, which aims at offering maximum comfort without hampering the environment. They offer comfort and safety while working, which invariably increases your productivity and also alleviates all the possible health problems.

The Best Design

The best ergonomic chair is actually custom-made as per the posture of an individual, his body shape, size, and the type of work that he undertakes. These chairs can be classified as task chairs and office chairs. Task chairs are ideal for those who spend long hours doing repetitive tasks such as typing, writing, etc.

Office chairs are ideal for those who only spend short time working on the computer but spend a long time at conferences, meetings, etc. These chairs have various features which provide maximum comfort to an individual. Most comfortable ergonomic chair includes the further features.

Adjustable Seat Height

Adjustable height of a seat allows a person to position his keyboard and mouse at an appropriate position. Ideally, the seat should be 16 to 20.5 inches off the ground. However, one can adjust this height according to his own height and the position of the keyboard.

A vertically adjustable seat can be an added advantage. Besides, the seat should encourage appropriate posture. Legs should always be positioned horizontally, with at least a gap of an inch between the back of knees and the edge of the seat. Feet should lie flat against the ground or footrest.

Back Support

This is the most important aspect of design. The chair should offer sufficient support to the lower back or lumbar vertebrae. Besides, it should lean back to provide convenience and comfort.

The seat cushioning should be well padded, preferably with memory foam. Ergonomic seat cushion should neither be too hard nor too soft. The seat should be at least 17 to 20 inches wide, while the backrest should be at least 12 to 19 inches wide. The seat and the back rest should preferably meet each other at a right angle.

Arm Rest

The importance of arm rests in the chair design cannot be undermined. Their position often dictates the comfort to the neck, shoulders, and upper back. They should be vertically and horizontally adjustable, so that they can be moved towards or away from the chair.

Similarly, vertical adjustment allows you to position arm rests according to the placement of your keyboard tray. They should not collide against the keyboard, instead slide away underneath it. Also, they should be cushioned.

Stability

Although, ergonomic chair should swivel easily and roll smoothly, it should also provide the required stability while working. The chair should be robust and sturdy and not fall apart easily.

There are a number of brands available. You can choose any of them as per your needs and comfort. One can go through online reviews to find out the types such as ergonomic kneeling chair, neutral posture chair, etc.