Office task effects on comfort and body dynamics in five dynamic office chairs

In the present study, we investigated the effect of office tasks on posture and movements in field settings, and the comfort rating for chair characteristics and correlation with type of task. The tasks studied were: computer work, telephoning, desk work and conversation. Postures, movements, chair part inclinations and comfort rating data were...

Comparison of four specific dynamic office chairs with a conventional office chair: Impact upon muscle activation, physical activity and posture

Prolonged and static sitting postures provoke physical inactivity at VDU workplaces and are therefore discussed as risk factors for the musculoskeletal system. Manufacturers have designed specific dynamic office chairs featuring structural elements which promote dynamic sitting and therefore physical activity. The aim of the present study was to...

Effects of differences in office chair controls, seat and backrest angle design in relation to tasks

In this study the influence of chair characteristics on comfort, discomfort, adjustment time and seat interface pressure is investigated during VDU and non-VDU tasks: The two investigated office chairs, both designed according to European and Dutch standards are different regarding: 1) seat cushioning and shape, 2) backrest angle and 3) controls...

Musculoskeletal discomfort during VDU tasks; input for a smart office chair

TNO and BMA Ergonomics are developing a so-called smart office chair. This chair is supposed to provide feedback on postures and movements during seated office work. The feedback should enable the user (i.e. the worker doing VDU tasks) to perform his or her work with less discomfort and in a more productive way. One part of this project is a...

Effects of a meeting table and chairs making half standing possible

Effects of using dynamic office chairs on posture and EMG in standardized office tasks

In the paper a measuring system for the comparative posture and EMG analysis of office chairs is presented. With the system four specific dynamic office chairs that promote dynamic sitting and therefore aim to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), were analyzed in comparison to a reference chair in two different standardized tasks (intensive...

Posture and movements during seated office work: Results of a field study

To gain insight into postures and movements during office work, 47 employees were observed during their daily work. The observations included: duration of trunk and leg postures, duration of different sitting positions on the seat, duration of different numbers of supported arms, number of minor trunk and leg motions, and number and duration of...

Measuring the Emotions Elicited by Office Chairs

Office chair designers have traditionally focused their design efforts on optimizing the so-called 'ergonomic fit.' Although the effort to design chairs that support physical comfort is commendable, the focus on ergonomics neglects the possible impact of emotional responses on the general experience of comfort. The general experience of comfort...