Evolve Seating

What is an ergonomically designed chair?

An ergonomically designed chair is an essential element to a fully optimized work environment. However, a chair can have a few ergonomic features such as height adjustable arm rests, but not be ergonomically designed to optimize productivity and contribute to well-being. Ergonomically designed chairs are engineered to:

• Improve and help maintain correct sitting posture
• Respond automatically to macro and micro movements
• Reduce tension on shoulders and neck
• Reduce pressure on spine and hips
• Be fully and easily adjustable to allow for a custom fit for each user
• Be used for an extended period of time, and be long lasting

The anatomy and benefits of an ergonomically designed chair

1. Seat height adjustment
The height of the seat should be easily adjusted to be raised higher or lower in order to fit the user’s body dimensions. The user’s knees should be at a 90 degree bent angle with feet flat against the floor.

2. Seat pan depth adjustment
The depth of seat should be able to be adjusted so there is a half inch gap between the edge of the seat and the back of the knees. This position helps to support blood flow.

3. Back rest height & angle adjustment
The ability to manually adjust the back rest allows users to find the best optimal support for their back. This feature will help users avoid sitting in one position all day and helps to relieve spinal pressure.

4. Headrest adjustment
A headrest is not a prerequisite of an ergonomically designed chair, but if it is available then it should be adjustable. An adjustable headrest helps prevent neck strain.

5. Adjustable lumbar (lower back) Support
The lumbar area is a common source of pain. Fixed lumbar and dynamic lumbar support customization features are critical components of any ergonomic chair.

6. Arm support adjustment
Arm supports should be height and width adjustable to enable a comfortable experience while typing . They should also pivot to support forearms when a user’s hands are close to each such as when texting or typing on a compact keyboard.

7. Back tilt tension
The ability to adjust the back tilt tension allows users to support and reduce pressure on the back. It also helps to open the hips when sitting or when rolling back in the chair. Tilting is essential for allowing back micro-movements throughout the day. Both the seat and backrest should change angles in unison as a user leans back.

8. Quality casters
The user’s entire body weight is supported by castors. Quality castors will last and offer the best body weight support especially when sitting or rising up out of the chair.

9. Seat Design
The seat of the chair bears most the user’s body weight and should be supportive without being overly firm. It should also have a waterfall edge. This type of design relieves pressure on the back of the thighs while promoting blood circulation.

"As someone who often reads remotely, having an ergonomic PACS workstation in my home office helps me remain productive and focused throughout the day and has helped me learn good ergonomic workplace habits that reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries.”

— Elizabeth Calzonetti MD FRCP, Staff Radiologist Joseph Brant Hospital —

"The new reading room creates an environment that allows radiologists' expertise to be conveyed effectively without the fatigue often caused by repeated and unintended interruptions. Efficient clinical staff interactions are facilitating more ad-hoc collaborations with clinical specialists and increasing camaraderie between physicians to the benefit of clinical care."

— Dr. George S. Bisset, Radiologist-In-Chief, Texas Children's Hospital —

“All the pieces work together; the room is welcoming to those who need to collaborate in person, while the radiologists who work in it can be assured the ergonomic design will help reduce repetitive stress injuries.”

— Dr. Kavita Dhamanaskar, MBBS, FRCPC, Medical Director CIBC Breast Assessment Centre, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre —