What Ergonomic Chair Functions and Features Do – Part 3

By now, most people are familiar with the term “Ergonomics” and understand that ergonomic furniture is more healthy for the body because it helps to maintain more natural positions that reduce stress to the bones, muscles, and nerves throughout the body. But chair companies and ergonomists often throw around terms related to the designs and functions of ergonomic chairs that the common consumer may not understand. Here is a list of some terms you may need to know.
Height-adjustable Armrests: This function, as the name suggests, allows the user to adjust the height of the armrests to suit the body of the person, this helps people avoid using chairs with too high or too low of armrests, which could result in elevated shoulders and pressure on the undersides of the elbows and forearms, or would require the user to slump or lean over to one side to use the armrest, respectively. This feature also allows for the armrest to be moved out of the way during some activities that may require lots of arm movement.

Width-adjustable Armrests: This function allows the user to change the distance between the armrests, not the armrests themselves. For an ergonomic office experience, the user does not want a chair with armrest too close together as this will splay the elbows and cause the wrists to bend to the side during activities such as typing. This puts the user at wrist for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Padded Armrests: This feature is advisable as it prevents uncomfortable pressure on the undersides of the forearms and elbows.

Author Amy Pedersen has worked in the ergonomics and office industry for a number of years and is currently co-founder of Sit On This Ergonomics, operating a number of ergonomic websites dedicated to office chairs and the practice of good workplace ergonomics. Featuring a wide variety of executive, leather, mesh and task office chairs with an online sales catalog, their website also provides detailed ergonomic information on proper chair positioning and seating in the workplace environment.

Sit On This Ergonomics:
http://stores.ebay.com/sitonthisergonomics

More Ergonomic Info:
http://stores.ebay.com/Sit-On-This-Ergonomics/Ergonomic-Positioning-Explained.html