Do Ergonomic Chairs Actually Work?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

The evidence from multiple studies suggests that ergonomic chairs do indeed work in reducing musculoskeletal risks, improving comfort, and enhancing productivity. However, the effectiveness of these chairs is maximized when combined with proper ergonomic training and adjustments. As such, investing in ergonomic furniture and training programs can be a valuable strategy for promoting health and efficiency in various settings.

Ergonomic chairs are designed to support the human body, considering factors such as posture, comfort, and health. With the increasing prevalence of sedentary work environments, the question arises: do ergonomic chairs actually work in reducing musculoskeletal issues and improving overall comfort? This article explores the effectiveness of ergonomic chairs based on various research studies.

Effects on Musculoskeletal Health

Several studies have investigated the impact of ergonomic chairs on musculoskeletal health. A large-scale field intervention study found that office workers who received both ergonomic training and a highly adjustable chair exhibited lower musculoskeletal risk compared to those who did not receive the intervention1. Similarly, another study demonstrated that the combination of ergonomic training and adjustable chairs significantly reduced symptom growth over the workday, highlighting the importance of using ergonomic furniture in conjunction with proper training2.

Comfort and Posture

Ergonomically designed furniture has also been shown to improve comfort and sitting posture. For instance, a study on school furniture revealed that students using ergonomically designed chairs reported higher comfort levels and experienced a reduction in musculoskeletal symptoms compared to those using traditional furniture3. This suggests that ergonomic chairs can enhance comfort and encourage better posture, although proper instructions and adjustments are necessary to maximize their benefits.

Productivity and Efficiency

The design and development of ergonomic chairs are not limited to comfort and health benefits; they also aim to improve productivity and efficiency. Research on ergonomic chairs for students indicated that such designs could lead to correct posture, reduced risk of musculoskeletal disorders, and increased efficiency in educational settings5. This is supported by another study that emphasized the importance of ergonomic chair design in improving comfort and concentration in classroom environments7.

Specific Use Cases

Ergonomic chairs are beneficial in various professional settings. For example, a study on dentistry chairs with ergonomic designs showed a significant reduction in trapezius muscle activity, which is crucial for dentists who often suffer from musculoskeletal disorders due to prolonged static postures6. Additionally, an innovative ergonomic chair with an oscillating pivot and electrical motor was found to be effective in preventing occupational lumbar pathology, further demonstrating the diverse applications of ergonomic chairs8.

Do ergonomic chairs actually work?

Deepak Sharan has answered Unlikely

An expert from RECOUP Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Centre in Medicine

Vendors promote several chair features as “ergonomic” but there is little published evidence of its efficacy towards improving general health. Ergonomic chairs are designed for a range of people and not for one person. For example, a chair could be too high, the seat pan too short and the arm rests too far apart for a short, slim person. They are not designed for any specific tasks or workstation arrangement. Hence, the term “ergonomic chair” is a misnomer. The chair becomes ergonomic only when selected to suit the worker’s or a group of worker’s body dimensions, workstation, and tasks. 

Musculoskeletal disorders, being multifactorial, cannot be prevented or treated by an ergonomic chair, in isolation. For instance, individual factors such as lack of breaks, adverse workstyle or psychosocial stressors can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders, irrespective of chair design.

Even if there is a paucity of well-designed clinical trials in chair ergonomics, some basic guidelines for the design of Ergonomic chairs make sense:

• Provide support so that the worker can sit up straight and maintain lumbar lordosis (inward arch on the lower back) 
• Easily allow change of positions, without sacrificing support 
• Distribute the weight evenly

However, one cannot say that a reasonably priced ergonomic chair is a waste of money. It is just one component of a possible solution. A poorly designed chair, such a one with a high, fixed, uncushioned arm rest will lead to musculoskeletal disorders in a substantial proportion of the users.

One cannot junk the entire discipline of Ergonomics as lacking evidence as claimed in the referenced article which is largely confined to back pain and chairs. Without application of Ergonomic principles, you wouldn’t be able to drive a car or travel in a train or aeroplane, for instance. Several published studies have shown the efficacy of comprehensive ergonomic interventions in improving worker productivity, safety and health, in a cost-effective manner. There are several challenges in conducting high quality research in an occupational setting and all the answers related to evidence are probably not forthcoming in the short term. 

Do ergonomic chairs actually work?

Martha Parker has answered Unlikely

An expert from Texas A&M Ergonomics Center in Public Health

In the retail and commercial furniture market, “ergonomically designed” implies that the chair is designed for a range of people and a range of activities or tasks. One hopes that the marketing jargon is true: that in fact, the product designers have taken note of the population for which their product is designed – who they are and what they do. Unfortunately, the consumer is quick to fall for “ergonomically designed” and believes with little proof that the product will be perfect for him. There is no perfect chair – not a single one will work for every single individual in every single activity or job. With that caveat in mind, the consumer should know his population (especially if it’s more than an individual) and the activities they perform, verify that the chair model will be appropriate for a large percentage of that population and move forward with a purchase. He should keep in mind that even an “ergonomically designed chair” will only work for a range of the population, not necessarily all and have an alternative chair(s) if necessary.