Ergonomics is the study of peoples’ efficiency in their working environment. If you work primarily in an office setting and spend much of your time working in front of a computer it is important to take a look at our work station setup. Looking at your chair, monitor, keyboard/mouse, and desktop are all important to decrease your risk of aches and pains and to prevent injury.
Here are several items to consider in regards to your office chair:
- Seat height should allow for your feet to rest on the floor with your knees bent 90-110 degre
es. - The center point of the hip should be at or slightly higher than the knees when sitting.
- Your office chair should have lumbar support to promote lumbar (low back) curvature.
- Your office chair should have adjustable or removable armrests so that your shoulders can hang freely and your elbows are at 90 degrees.
- Your office chair should pivot to allow you to square up to work and not twist to reach work.
- Seat depth should allow for 2-4 inches of clearance to the back of the knees.
- Their should be no obstructions under your desk.
- Keep in mind that most office chairs accommodate 95% of the population (5’ to 6’2” height and up to 300 or 340 lbs). If you are outside of this group you may need special considerations.
- Consider the use of a stand-up desk to decrease the amount of time sitting and encourage more frequent changing of body position.
Dustin Eslinger, MA, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Physical Therapy Consultants, Inc.
PTC_therapy October 10th, 2018
Posted In: General