There are really only five adjustments that you need concern yourself with on an executive chair or computer task chair and they are.
- Seat Height
- Back Height
- Arm Height
- Seat Depth
- Tilt Tension
I'm going to assume that you have a good quality ergonomic office chair that has the capability to handle the above adjustments. If not, you should think seriously about investing in a new chair that allows these settings to be configured to your needs. These features are generally available with the executive chairs and computer task chairs.
After all, a chair is replaceable - unlike your back and you will find long term postural benefits from a properly adjusted chair.
Let's look at each in a little more detail.
1. Seat Height
Nearly all swivel executive chairs and task chairs have pneumatic gas lift adjustment, so it should be really quick and easy to set the seat's height.
When correctly adjusted your feet should be resting firmly on the floor with your legs set approximately at right angles, use a footrest if you have difficulty reaching the floor with your feet.
2. Back Height
You need to adjust the height of your chair back so that it gives you good support to the lower part of your back as this will tend to align the rest of your back correctly. Also, when you are sitting in your chair your back should be in contact with and gaining support from the chair's back.
3. Arm Height
You need to adjust the arms of your chair so that your lower arms are supported on the arms and are at the same height as your desktop surface. You should also be able to reach your keyboard and mouse without stretching.
If you don't have this adjustment on your chair it probably won't be possible for you to achieve this balance, unless you are lucky and fall into the weight range the manufacturer designed it for.
4. Seat Depth
This is the feature commonly missing from many office chairs. Nonetheless, it's one of the most important functions to insist on when buying a new chair.
Quite simply, it allows you to set the chair's seat depth to match your leg length. You should aim to be able to place a clenched fist between the front edge of the chair and the back of your lower leg.
If you find that the back of your legs are either hard against the chair front or conversely more than 3''-4'' from the chair front, then you should seriously consider changing your chair for one that has this feature.
5. Tilt Tension
A good quality chair will allow you to adjust the amount of tension needed to move backwards and forwards naturally in your chair. You shouldn't feel the need to force your body into the chair's back when leaning back, nor should it just fall away with little or no resistance.
If you follow these five simple chair adjustments you can quickly set up your seat correctly for your individual needs. If you present office chair doesn't have all these key adjustment features, you really ought to consider replacing it, especially if you suffer pain when working in it. Article by Duncan Macintyre
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