Home | Site Map | Contact Us| Reference
 |
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Adjusting Your Computer Chair
Contrary to popular belief, sitting, which most people believe is relaxing, is hard on the back. Sitting for long periods of time can cause increased pressure on the intervertebral discs— the springy, shock-absorbing part of the spine. Sitting is also hard on the feet and legs. Gravity tends to pool blood in the legs and feet and create a sluggish return to the heart.
The following recommendations can help increase comfort for computer chair users:
• "Dynamic sitting", don't stay in one static position for extended periods of time.
• When performing daily tasks, alternate between sitting and standing.
• Adjust height of backrest to support the natural inward curvature of the lower back.
o It may be useful to use a rolled towel or lumbar pad to support the low back.
o The backrest angle is set so that your hip-torso angle is 90 degrees or greater.
• Adjust height of chair so feet rest flat on floor (use footrest if necessary).
o Sit upright in the chair with the low back against the backrest and the shoulders touching the backrest.
o Thighs should be parallel to the floor and knees at about the same level as the hips.
o Back of knees should not come in direct contact with the edge of the seat pan (there should be 2-3 inches between the edge of the seat and the back of the knee).
• Don't use armrests to slouch.
• Adjust height and/or width of armrests so they allow the user to rest arms at their sides and relax/drop their shoulders while keyboarding.
• Where armrests are used, elbows and lower arms should rest lightly so as not to cause circulatory or nerve problems.
