Orthopedic chairs - Computer chair

A computer chair is a task chair that is ergonomically designed to provide the best possible back and body support whilst using a computer.

This type of chair assumes that the computer will be on a desk or special table designed for computer use and that you will be using the computer in a normal way, e.g. a keyboard and a mouse.

computer chairs are designed using ergonomics. This means that their designers look at posture (e.g. ensuring good orthopedic chair design and support), and the tasks that will be performed by the person seated on the chair. A chair design is then created that tries to ensure that comfort and good muscular and skeletal support are achieved when the chair is being used as intended.

Typical features of a computer chair

Most good office or office task chairs should satisfy the requirements of a computer chair.

The chair needs to be designed with orthopedic support in mind and it needs to incorporate a number of adjustable features that enable the customising of the chair to the physical characteristics of the person using it. These features normally take the form of levers that allow the modification of different chair elements’ positions, i.e. changing levels and alignments on the chairs major components.

Common examples of adjustments start with the ability to change and set the seat height. This is a critical feature and the amount of adjustable movements needs to be such that a person can fix the seat at a level where the angle between their knees is roughly 90 degrees (or slightly more).

Backrest inclination is another critical feature. Having an “angle adjustable” backrest makes it possible to firstly, get the most comfortable inclination and secondly, to periodically change the angle so that the back is rested in different positions.

Many more features like lumbar support bolsters or inflatable lumbar balloons can add to the flexibility with which the back is supported. Having the backrest adjustable for height also provides improved orthopedic support.

Seat tilt and the inclusion of a “waterfall” front to the seat will add to comfort levels and improved posture, and having a seat that will slide backwards or forwards helps attain the best possible bottom and upper leg support.

Armrests are something upon which different people have different views. Some believe that, with a task chair like a computer chair, the armrests get in the way or inhibit the computer operator. Others feel that, if correctly aligned and levelled, they can support the arms whilst still leaving them free to operate the IT equipment. This is a matter of personal choice or past user experience

Other features that may or may not appeal to different users are a head support and a breathable backrest. Many people find headrests either restrictive, or something that they never use. This may however have something to do with finding the optimum position of the headrest in relation to the computer tasks being performed.

A breathable backrest can be of value to anyone who feels hot when working. Mesh style fabric use their stretchiness or hammock like properties to support the back and as such they do away with the need for thick (and heat insulating) cushions and padding. This makes them cool.

Finally, when checking out a computer chair always play about with the adjustable settings. If you spend 5 or 6 minutes seated on the chair you should be able to obtain a good supportive posture from which to do your work. If you cannot, move on and find another more suitable “to you” chair. As a general guide, the more adjustments that a chair has, the more likely it is that you will be able to find your perfect seated position.