Local thermal insulation provided by typical office chairs

Only a fraction of several Office Chair Designs (OCDs) attempt to address the numerous musculoskeletal (MS) (as opposed to aesthetics) concerns of users with prolonged sitting. This study seeks to find the OCDs whose prolonged usage offers longer-lasting comfort before body-part pain and muscle fatigue set in. Self- administered questionnaires were purposively distributed electronically to voluntary office workers to collect their demographic information, chair type and time to discomfort in selected eight body parts during chair usage. Fifteen OCDs in the survey were grouped into 5 (3 designs each) and statistical analyses gave the proportional distribution of the OCDs according to the participants’ job status as well as measures of comfortability of the chair usage. There were 426 participants, 56% male, with modal age range of 51-60 yrs; comprising 83% regular computer users, 46% with knowledge of Ergonomics. Generally, OCD group-3 had the highest usage, while groups 4 and 5 had negligible number of users. Longest comfortability was found in groups 1 and 3, but least in group 5. Design 7 ranked the highest, while 10 ranked the lowest in comfortability. Discomforts were indicated in all 8 body parts relative to all the OCDs, but design 10 gave the most discomfort. There was positive correlation between the use of heavy-duty chairs with swivel. It took longer time to experience swollen leg (0.120), thigh pain (0.082) and buttock pain (0.097) during the usage of OCDs group-1. Similarly, there is a positive correlation between the use of lighter chairs and delayed body response to neck pain (0.078), indicating that users of OCDs group-2 had more working time before they develop neck pain. Inverse correlations were found in regular wooden chairs usage and delayed body response to neck pain (-0.094), shoulder pain (-0.086) and lower back pain (-0.086). Similarly, plastic chairs usage gave negative correlation with the body delayed response to neck (-0.1) pain, shoulder pain (-.113) and lower back pain (-0.081). Generally, the design of heavy-duty chairs and lighter chairs with swivels have comfortability advantage over the non-padded wooden / plastic chairs and stools.

In the context of increasing demands for health, comfort, and aesthetic quality in office environments, this study investigated how surface materials of office chairs influence users’ emotional responses through visual–tactile perception. Ten typical office chair surface material samples were sourced from manufacturers and evaluated in a controlled laboratory setting. Participants provided feedback via a semantic differential questionnaire, designed using the Kawakita Jiro (KJ) method and expert screening. Visual-tactile evaluation data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing factor analysis to explore perceptual groupings and latent emotional dimensions. Results showed four material clusters aligned with different user needs, including support, comfort, skin-friendliness, and breathability. Factor analysis extracted four core dimensions: physical comfort, thermal-affective feedback, quality–breathability trade-off, and material essence. To further support material selection, a method was established using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to clarify the weight of each perceptual factor. This study integrated Kansei engineering with visual-tactile synesthesia theory to construct a multidimensional evaluation framework, providing implications for the design of office chairs with greater attention to emotional and health-related factors.

Prolonged sitting and the adoption of unhealthy sitting postures have been a common issue generally seen among many adults and the working population in recent years. This alone has contributed to the alarming rise of various health issues, such as musculoskeletal disorders and a range of long-term health conditions. Hence, this study proposes the development of a novel smart-sensing chair system designed to analyze and provide actionable insights to help encourage better postural habits and promote well-being. The proposed system was equipped with two 32 × 32 pressure sensor mats, which were integrated into an office chair to facilitate the collection of postural data. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on generalized datasets collected from multiple healthy participants to train machine learning models, this study adopts a user-tailored methodology—collecting data from a single individual to account for their unique physiological characteristics and musculoskeletal conditions. The dataset was trained using five different machine learning models—Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN)—to classify 19 distinct sitting postures. Overall, CNN achieved the highest accuracy, with 98.29%. To facilitate user engagement and support long-term behavior change, we developed SitWell—an intelligent postural feedback platform comprising both mobile and web applications. The platform’s core features include sitting posture classification, posture duration analytics, and sitting quality assessment. Additionally, the platform integrates OpenAI’s GPT-4o Large Language Model (LLM) to deliver personalized insights and recommendations based on users’ historical posture data.

Workplace seating that does not match user anthropometry often leads to discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study evaluates the office chairs used at the Politeknik Industri Furnitur dan Pengolahan Kayu Kendal by combining discomfort analysis and anthropometric mismatch assessment. Thirty-two employees (16 males, 16 females) participated, completing the Nordic Body Map (NBM) questionnaire and providing seated anthropometric measurements. The NBM results revealed that lower back discomfort was the most common complaint, particularly among female respondents, who also reported higher discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Mismatch analysis confirmed severe incompatibilities between existing chair dimensions and user anthropometry, with seat height (100% mismatch for both genders) and seat depth (94% for men, 88% for women) as the most problematic. Based on these findings, a redesigned chair was developed, lowering seat height by 30 mm and reducing seat depth by 66 mm, alongside adjustments to backrest and armrest dimensions. Comparison with Indonesian (SNI) and international ergonomic standards (ISO 9241-5, BIFMA G1, EN 1335-1) showed that the redesign falls within recommended ranges. The study demonstrates how anthropometry-based redesign can reduce mismatch and improve comfort, providing practical guidance for the local furniture industry.

This paper explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with human creativity in the context of furniture design, focusing on the development of an ergonomic office chair. As demand grows for sustainable, personalised, and innovative furniture, the study investigates how AI can augment traditional design practices through data-driven optimisation and augmented reality (AR) prototyping. A literature review highlights key developments in generative design, user interaction, and collaborative tools, while the proposed methodology combines user-centred design principles with machine learning and AR to streamline the design process. User studies involving professional designers and end-users evaluate the effectiveness of the AI-human collaboration, measuring design quality, satisfaction, and efficiency. The research presents a hybrid design framework where AI serves as a co-creator, ultimately enhancing creativity, usability, and production workflows in the furniture industry.

At present, more people need to sit for a long time in daily life. However, bad sitting habits will undercut work efficiency and pose a threat to health. A sitting posture recognition system can help people maintain a correct sitting posture and reduce fatigue. In this paper, an office chair based on the Ardunio development board is designed and implemented with multi-channel sensors, using force sensors (MD 30-60, RP-L-110) as well as gyroscope sensors (MPU6050) mounted on the chair for sitting posture analysis. Then, Ardunio realizes the collection of sensor data and the data transmission with the host computer. Finally, through the experimental data analysis, seven postures of sitting upright, forward leaning, backward leaning, left leaning, right leg cross sitting and left leg cross sitting are investigated, with the results visually analyzed. The system proposed in this study has potential application prospects in health monitoring and disease prevention.

A person’s sense of comfort while sitting depends on numerous physical and psychological parameters. This study investigated the impact of different office chair seat and back designs on the user’s ability to assess differences in thermal comfort during office work tasks. Eighty-two healthy subjects assessed their thermal sensation, moisture perception, and thermal comfort on six chair models using questionnaire. The chairs varied in backrest design (mesh vs. PUR foam) and seat materials. Assessments were conducted in air-conditioned workplaces over three weeks. The results showed an overall neutral thermal sensation (mean rating of 4.12 on a seven-point scale), with warmth being more pronounced in the buttocks and thighs than in the back, alongside variations observed in seven of the fifteen indicators. The comfort of both the backrest and seat was crucial for overall thermal comfort, as was the perception of humidity among different chair models. The relationships between thermal sensation, humidity, and comfort differed by chair’s design. This study confirms the complexity of thermal comfort in seat and backrest design, highlighting the importance of localized thermal sensations in chairs, while demonstrating that application of subjective ratings can demonstrate differences between chairs. Future research should address methodological limitations, incorporate objective measurements, and explore seasonal variations and adaptive thermal comfort.

Various studies in the literature examine the disorders and productivity losses experienced by office workers. An office chair having a massage mechanism is also designed to prevent these disorders and to increase the comfort of office workers. The rubbing movement of the massage mechanisms causes abrasion on the surface of upholstery materials over time. Hence, the selection of upholstery materials to be used in office chairs having massage mechanisms is important. In this study, upholstery materials that are used in office chairs having massage mechanisms have been investigated. As a contribution, spacer fabrics have been used by combining with office chairs having the massage mechanism. Furthermore, the abrasion resistance of 4 different spacer fabrics has been measured and compared with the materials used in the market. In addition to the abrasion resistance test, the air permeability test has been carried out to investigate the breathability of upholstery materials. We have found that the abrasion resistance of leather, artificial leather, and spacer fabrics is superior to other fabrics’ abrasion resistance. The results reveal that spacer fabrics have better breathability than any other material.

Comparison of energy metabolism and muscular activity between sitting on a stability ball and office chairs: A pilot study.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an ergonomically redesigned office chair, tailored to meet the anthropometric needs of employees. It addresses common issues associated with prolonged sitting, such as musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue, which are prevalent in sedentary work environments. Utilizing anthropometric data from prior studies, the redesign incorporates modifications in key chair dimensions—such as seat height, seat depth, and backrest height—to enhance user comfort and reduce physical strain. The ROSA (Rapid Office Strain Assessment) tool was employed to assess posture and ergonomic risk for both the old and redesigned chairs. Findings indicate a significant improvement in ergonomic support and comfort with the new design, supported by a statistically significant reduction in ROSA scores, as confirmed through a paired sample t-test. Although the redesign effectively enhances comfort, further improvements are recommended, including adjustable lumbar support and backrest flexibility. This study underscores the importance of ergonomic adaptations in office furniture to support diverse body types and reduce occupational health risks.

Abstract This study examines the design of an ergonomic office chair tailored to enhance the comfort and well-being of formal sector employees in Jakarta, particularly as they transition back to the Work from Office (WFO) model. Utilizing the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) method, the research identifies key ergonomic risks associated with non-ergonomic chairs currently in use, highlighting the prevalence of discomfort among employees due to inadequate support features. The proposed chair design incorporates adjustable features, including seat height and depth, backrest inclination, armrests, and lumbar support, to cater to diverse user needs based on anthropometric data of Indonesian workers. Materials were selected to balance durability and sustainability, with an aluminum star base for strength and a high-impact polystyrene frame to optimize cost and performance. The findings underscore the importance of ergonomic interventions in improving employee health and productivity while aligning with sustainability objectives.

Introduction: In today’s work environment, proper workstation adjustment plays a crucial role in preventing muscle tension and maintaining healthy habits. Ergonomic positioning of the office chair, desk, and monitor, including height and tilt adjustments, is essential. Additionally, the alignment of the keyboard, mouse, and room lighting significantly influences comfort and work efficiency. This study analyzes the correlation between the use of ergonomic computer workstation elements and the experience of discomfort and physical pain among students while using a computer.Materials and methods: Students from the third year of computer science programs at Jan Kochanowski University and the Kielce University of Technology were included in the study. An original questionnaire survey comprising 33 questions, including a visual analogue scale (VAS), allowed students to subjectively assess the intensity of pain in various body areas during computer use. Additionally, the 2D Videograph was used to examine changes in the cervical spine depth in standing and sitting positions. Results: The study examined the relationship between workstation setup and pain symptoms among computer-using students. It was found that a proper chair, a desk with sufficient legroom, desk height adjustment, and adequate lighting are essential for reducing pain intensity. The analysis covered various body areas, and the results confirmed the significance of the correlation, especially concerning ergonomic equipment. Third-year students reported higher pain intensity in all areas, particularly in the lumbar spine. Conclusion: The results indicate that desk height, desk type, ergonomic equipment, and proper lighting significantly influence the severity of pain complaints among students using computers. Ergonomic solutions, such as customized desks, ergonomic wrist pads, or monitor adjustments, are associated with significantly lower pain intensity in various body areas. This confirms the role of ergonomics in preventing discomfort related to computer work. Education on proper ergonomic practices can be crucial in preventing health issues among young adults using computers.

This study simultaneously compared four working postures (sitting on an office chair, on a ball, standing and pedalling on an ergocycle) and five pointing device configurations (traditional and slanted mouse placed next to and in front of the keyboard, and central pointing device) in relation to sedentary behaviour and musculoskeletal disorders. Pedalling on an ergocycle was the only posture that exceeded the sedentary behaviour threshold of 1.5 METs. This posture resulted in the highest task completion time and was least favoured by participants. Regardless of the pointing device configuration, there was a risk of fatigue in the extensor carpi muscle of the dominant limb. Nevertheless, the central pointing device reduced stress on this muscle compared to mice. Task performance was the best with the traditional mouse. Using the central pointing device while pedalling on an ergocycle led to the lowest task performance and the highest stress on the trapezius muscle.

사무용 의자 조작장치의 사용성 평가

PurposeThis paper sheds light on how appointing a lead independent director (LIDIR) affects a firm’s commitment to climate change and to what extent environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance is affected by a firm’s commitment to climate change in the presence of a LIDIR.Design/methodology/approachThe authors utilise ordinary least squares (OLS) and a sample of 12,236 firm-year observations in the United States of America (USA) over the 2002–2019 period to test the predictions. The authors also apply alternative research designs such as propensity score matching, Heckman two-step and instrumental variable techniques to address endogeneity concerns.FindingsThe authors find that a LIDIR representation on the board is positively associated with a firm’s commitment to climate change. The authors also find that the association between a LIDIR representation on the board and a firm’s commitment to climate change is more pronounced in firms with a combined chief executive officer (CEO) and board chair positions than firms with both positions separated. Additional analysis suggests that increased commitment to climate change in the presence of a LIDIR improves ESG performance.Originality/valueWhile the effect of a LIDIR on firm financial outcomes has received much attention, there is a lack of empirical evidence on whether lead independent directors are greener. The authors provide new and important contribution to the literature by investigating the relationship between an LIDIR representation on the board and non-financial outcomes from the perspective of climate change commitment and ESG performance. The findings may be informative to policymakers seeking to deal with climate change impacts on society to encourage the appointment of a LIDIR.

The effect of physical activity lifestyle on in-vivo passive stiffness of the lumbar spine.

BackgroundActive sitting chairs have been proposed as an effective approach for reducing sedentary behaviour in the workplace.ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study evaluated how an active sitting chair altered energy expenditure compared to a traditional office chair during seated computer work.MethodsSixteen participants (8M/8F) completed two 20-min sessions of seated standardized computer work in an active sitting chair, with a multiaxial rotating seat pan, and traditional office chair. Metabolic and ventilatory variables were collected with a customized metabolic cart and cardiac variables were collected by a Hexoskin© shirt. Average ventilatory, metabolic, and cardiac variables from the last 15-min of each block were compared between chairs and sexes.ResultsStatistically significant increases in oxygen uptake (V˙O2) emerged in active sitting (0.02 L/min; 7.6%), and ultimately led to a 1.5 kcal increase in energy expenditure compared to traditional sitting. Proportional and significant changes in minute ventilation (V˙E; + 0.9 L/min), heart rate (HR; + 5.8 bpm), and heart rate variability (HRV; -0.05 s) occurred, which further support the greater metabolic demand in active sitting.ConclusionsA 1.5 kcal per 15-min increase in energy expenditure translates to 6 kcal/hour and 48 kcal/day. Compared to other literature, this change is similar to caloric expenditure when climbing three to six flights of stairs and when using alternative workstation designs (e.g., standing or sitting on a stability ball). An active sitting chair with a multiaxial rotating seat pan and no back support, appears to be a good alternative for increasing energy expenditure at a workstation.

This study evaluated the effects of an Aeron office chair and a commercial gaming chair (GC) on muscle stiffness (MS), performance, and player perceptions during a 2-hr gaming session among esports gamers. Conducted as a mixed-methods, randomized, controlled trial in a collegiate esports arena, the study involved 33 esports gamers (age: 23 ± 4.9) who met the inclusion criteria of being 18 years or older, and regular players of League of Legends and without any current musculoskeletal injuries. Participants played in two separate 2-hr sessions, with MS measured via oscillation frequency. The study recorded subjective evaluations, in-game statistics, and player perceptions. Results indicated a significant reduction in MS in the upper trapezius on the left side in the GC group compared with the Aeron chair (p = .03). However, no significant differences were observed in the right-side measurements across four muscles. Notably, the GC was associated with lower MS in the thoracic and lumbar regions and was preferred by 58% of the participants. Performance improved in the GC, with players winning 25% more games and achieving 15% more kills. The findings suggest that the GC may offer superior benefits regarding reduced MS and enhanced gaming performance.

This study focused on lower leg swelling as a typical physical load in prolonged sitting postures such as driving. We obtained prediction equations for lower leg swelling (ratio of the inverse of the measured impedance to the initial impedance and lower leg swelling assessment value, BI [%]) from thigh pressure distribution, participants’ physical characteristics, and sitting time. A total of 22 participants (11 males and 11 females) were recruited. The impedance in the lower leg and thigh pressure distribution were measured over 90 min in a sitting posture at three tilt angles (8°, 0°, and −8° from the horizontal plane). Multiple regression analysis was performed to construct prediction equations for lower leg swelling in the males, the females, and all the participants. Bioelectrical impedance was selected as the dependent variable, with height, body fat percentage, thigh pressure distribution, and sitting time as the independent variables. The validity of all constructed prediction equations for the males, the females, and all the participants was confirmed by an adjusted R2. These findings can be used to develop a device to prevent lower leg swelling (the main problem resulting from a prolonged sitting posture) and can be applied to automobile seats, aircraft seats, and office chairs.