The Impact of Chair Design on Trunk Sway Parameters During Computer-Based Tasks Over a Prolonged Bout of Sitting

Abstract

Prolonged sedentary behavior has increased due to computer use for work and leisure activities. Prolonged bouts of sitting have been associated with health risks such as low back pain. Prior studies have suggested that chair design characteristics, such as the presence of arm or back rests, are associated with sitting posture, movement patterns, and low back pain. The purpose of this within-subjects study was to examine the effects of armrest adjustments and tilt mechanisms on user-chair interfacial pressure variables and micromotion while performing computer tasks. Preliminary findings indicate that proper armrest adjustments increased average displacement and in-chair movements (p < 0.04) which may reduce low back pain while sitting. Further research is needed to understand the temporality of these relationships over long bouts of sitting.