Chairs to Correct Posture

While the human body is amazingly flexible and resilient, it is subject to aches and soreness when stressed. Probably the most common stress on a body is maintaining a seated position for extended periods of time, whether at work or leisure. During those hours, the body will benefit from using a chair that promotes correct posture and from taking frequent breaks to stretch and move.

Ergonomic Chairs

• Designers, engineers, doctors and fitness experts have produced a variety of chair styles that promote correct sitting posture. An ergonomic design is one that allows the user to sit in a number of healthy postures with head, trunk, and limbs at about mid-range position. Workers who labor at desks, drawing boards, computers, sewing machines and other seated occupations were the first to benefit from the improved chair designs, but the theatergoer or bus commuter or homeowner may also be more comfortable in ergonomically designed chairs.

Adjustments

• A comfortable and healthful chair has height adjustments to allow the occupant to sit with feet flat on the floor, with thighs horizontal to the floor, and with arms positioned to fit the task. Some designs modify the angle of the seat so that the knees are very slightly lower than the hips, a position that may relieve stress on hips. The angle of the back support is nearly always adjustable forward and back.

Lumbar Support

• A solid and comfortably padded backrest provides support for the lower back so that the arch of the spine is maintained naturally. Users of ergonomic chairs are encouraged to sit with their spines resting snugly against the slight bulge of the lumbar support, and most find the position quite comfortable. The support encourages the user to keep the spine erect and avoid slumping. This feature is more and more often found in public seating and in chairs for the home.

Other Features

• Almost all ergonomic office chairs swivel easily and are equipped with rollers or wheels to allow the user to reach distant areas of desk or table top without straining joints and muscles. Chair arms are designed to place the hands at the same level as the desk or table top. Armless ergonomic chairs allow the user to access a keyboard below the desk level.

Kneeling Chairs

• Among the more extreme chair designs for correct posture are the kneeling chairs that distribute the user's weight so that the stomach muscles balance the stress on the spine, thus relieving the back, neck and shoulders. These chairs are particularly helpful for those with spine conditions requiring special consideration and for those whose posture may require remediation.