Alternative Information

Buyer Beware: Is That Ergonomic Chair Really Ergonomic?


Not everybody knows exactly what ergonomic means, but it's getting to the point where everybody knows an "ergonomic chair" is better than just some plain old chair. Thus even Joe Newbie is more likely to buy the ergonomic chair than the chair that is not advertised as ergonomic.

The problem is stores and manufacturers are starting to put the word ergonomic in front of every chair they sell, whether it has anything to do with ergonomics or not. There is more to ergonomics than a little added cushioning in the seat.

So, What Is an Ergonomic Chair?

Ergonomics is the study of equipment designed with humans in mind, meant to reduce operator fatigue and discomfort. Specifically, an ergonomic chair should be highly adjustable, including not just a knob for lowering and raising the chair but adjustability in the back tilt and the height of the arm rests. An ergonomic chair should also have a sturdy frame (avoid plastic), a great deal of support, especially in the lumbar region, and padding that has some give and supports your body without losing shape.

Real ergonomic chairs cost hundreds of dollars. Look for manufacturers that specialize in ergonomics and are known for producing quality chairs. Examples are Herman Miller, Neutral Posture, and BodyBilt. Avoid gimmicky chairs (such as kneeling chairs and ball chairs) unless you have actually had the opportunity to try one and feel it's a good fit for your body. Remember, the chair that is comfortable when you first sit in it may not remain so after several hours.

Why and When Should You Consider Buying an Ergonomic Chair?

An ergonomic chair promotes good posture, reduces the fatigue that comes with sitting in one position for a protracted period of time, and it can even reduce the likelihood of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries (many of these hand and wrist injuries start with poor posture at the computer).

Anybody who spends more than an hour a day at the computer should consider buying a good ergonomic chair. If you work 8 hours a day or more at the computer, you should definitely have a good ergonomic chair.

About The Author

TC Thorn has more information on her site Ergonomics Information.


MORE RESOURCES:

The best alternative medicine for children
CNN - 1 hour ago
Several alternative treatments have been shown to be safe and effective for kids, experts say. "We would both end up miserable," says Kruse-Field. ...


WELT ONLINE

Europe Looks to Alternative Sources for Energy
Wall Street Journal - 12 hours ago
By GUY CHAZAN As Europe counts the cost of Russia's latest gas shut-off, there are signs it could give a boost to alternative sources of gas that currently ...
Video: Ukraine leaves Europe without gas - Gazprom RussiaToday
Europe late with alternative to Russian gas TREND Information
Gas war may boost alternative routes to Europe guardian.co.uk
Canada.com - Los Angeles Times
all 6,902 news articles


CNET News

Linksys offers full wireless alternative to Sonos
CNET News, CA - 17 hours ago
After hinting at a "digital stereo" product in The New York Times last week, Cisco unveiled the details of its Wireless Home Audio System today, ...


CNET News

The Wand: Nyko announces a high-tech Wii remote alternative
CNET News, CA - 14 hours ago
In an effort to trump the existing Nintendo Wii remote controller, Nyko is introducing what the company is calling the most advanced Wii remote yet. ...
Nyko brings Wand Wii remote, Charge Station EX and Kama Charge kit ... engadget
all 9 news articles


The Market Oracle

Treasury Bond Alternative
Boston Globe, United States - Jan 7, 2009
"Where should I put my money right now? I don't feel comfortable investing in stocks, and I've heard that Treasury bonds are paying next to nothing. ...
Bonds may be a shield, but they're still risky Gail MarksJarvis Chicago Tribune
Get Out Now! Barron's
Corporate debt's allure Boston Globe
all 388 news articles


New York Times

Airlines Search for Alternatives to Oil as Fuel
New York Times, United States - Jan 6, 2009
Pratt, which has tested alternate fuels in its engines, and others in the aviation industry assert that they will pursue alternatives even in a period of ...
Continental First US Airline to Test Biofuels SmarterTravel.com
Air Algae: US Biofuel Flight Relies on Weeds and Pond Scum Scientific American
Algae-Powered Jet Proves Biofuel in Continental Test Bloomberg
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com - Atlanta Journal Constitution
all 247 news articles


Fuel Systems Solutions to Launch US Automotive Alternative Fuel ...
MSNBC - 21 hours ago
Since the 1960s, Fuel System Solutions' transportation subsidiary, BRC, based in Cherasco, Italy, has been a major provider of alternative fuel systems ...


Alternative methods of zooming in Excel 2008
Macworld, CA - 1 hour ago
by Rob Griffiths, Macworld.com One of the things I don’t like about Excel 2008 is that setting zoom levels is a bit more complex than it need be. ...


Avoiding Mea Culpas With Alternative Assets
TheStreet.com - 2 hours ago
The Wall Street Journal recently published an article exploring the merits of alternative assets. It included mea culpas from investment managers who had ...


MTA to consider alternatives for Eastisde Transit Corridor
Los Angeles Wave Newspapers, CA - 14 hours ago
LOS ANGELES — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will consider the adoption of the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase Two Alternatives Analysis study ...

Alternative - Google News

home | site map
© 2006