Ergonomic Evaluation of Static, Revolving, and Wooden Chairs using Cornell’s Seating Evaluation v21 in Professionals with Prolonged Sitting: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: In contemporary workplaces, individuals using sedentary workstations often remain seated for approximately two-thirds of their workday, with extended periods of sitting lasting at least 30 minutes uninterrupted. The widespread use of various types of chairs in professional settings and their significant impact on individual well-being necessitate this ergonomic study. Given that professionals spend a considerable portion of their day seated, it is imperative to understand the ergonomic characteristics of different chair types to promote a comfortable and supportive work environment. This study focuses on evaluating static, revolving, and wooden chairs to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Aim: To compare the ergonomic features of static, revolving, and wooden chairs among in professionals with prolonged sitting using Cornell’s Ergonomic Scale. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among professionals at a corporate company in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, from July 2021 to September 2022. Participants, regardless of gender, who had been using a laptop or desktop for at least four hours a day for a year were included. The study assessed three types of chairs: static, revolving, and wooden. The survey consisted of two sections: demographic and job-related information, and the Cornell Ergonomic Seating Evaluation v21 scale, which measured chair adjustment, seating comfort, ease of use, body support, and an overall ergonomic score. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0, employing one-way ANOVA. Result: A total of 217 participants were surveyed, including 182 males and 35 females. The overall Ergonomic Discomfort Score (EDS%) was 32.49±2.71% for static chairs, 66.3±3.56% for revolving chairs, and 25.26±3.27% for wooden chairs (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: The application of practical ergonomic principles with tools such as the Cornell scale can effectively minimise employee discomfort and enhance both work capacity and job satisfaction.