Many workers don’t realise that how they set up their chair can have a big impact on their comfort and ergonomics. This blog post details some areas to pay attention to when setting up your chair at your work desk.

Seat Height

Adjust the height of your chair so that your hips are at level with or higher than your knees. The whole of your foot should be on the floor. Do not lower your chair to suit the desk height; instead, raise the desk. Ideally, the seat pan will have a rounded ‘waterfall’ padded edge to avoid placing pressure on the back of your knees.

Seat Depth

Adjust the seat depth to accommodate thigh length. With your back fully contacting the back rest, there should be a gap of about the width of your fist from the edge of the seat pan to your knee.

Arm Rests

Arm rests are not always necessary, and incorrect use can cause problems. If provided, arm rests should ideally be height, width and depth adjustable and should not prevent you from sitting close to your desk. When getting up from chair, try not to use the arm rests so you can challenge your technique of getting up.

Back Rest

The height of the lumbar curve will vary from person to person, so adjust the height of the back rest to accommodate your individual body shape. The back rest of the chair should allow a recline angle of at least 150.

Free Float and Movement Mechanisms

Chairs that can be set up to allow movement and variation in working posture are highly recommended by our physiotherapists. Workers should be properly trained in how to use all the adjustments on the chair and must be encouraged to use the adjustments to change positions frequently throughout the day.

For more tips on setting up your work chair for comfort and ergonomics, contact Physio Melbourne Clinic today.