The human body can handle great pressure, but certain work and leisure activities can cause painful musculoskeletal disorders. From this perspective, creating an ergonomically efficient work and living environment is essential for better musculoskeletal health.

For example, working in front of a computer and placing your arms unusually high can stress your shoulder and upper back muscles, causing muscle soreness. If you ignore early signs, in time your soreness may progress to constant discomfort and pain.

Addressing early signs of discomfort by working with better ergonomics is one way to improve your health and wellbeing. Here the question is: “how to choose suitable equipment for developing better postural habits.” There is no simple answer to this question, but the following rules may help you to choose comfortable equipment.

Rule 1-Do not buy any equipment without a trial: comfort is subjective, so test any equipment to see if it is comfortable for you.

Rule 2-When it comes to chair and desk, adjustability is the key feature.

Chair:

  • Pneumatic adjustable seat height
  • Seat depth adjustability
  • Seatback includes lumbar support, with a seated posture between 100-110◦
  • Five-star caster base (not four) – for use on carpet or linoleum
  • Seat and back tilt adjustment and/or rocking lock mechanism
  • Easily adjusted while seated
  • Minimal ridges or contouring on backrest
  • Adjustable height armrests, wider than forearms of average employee
  • Mesh or breathable foam density back and seating

Desk:

  • Desks or other surfaces should be adjusted to a height convenient for users or equipped for height adjustment of computer components
  • The work surfaces should be adequate in dimensions to allow for all necessary equipment to be within appropriate reach of the user
  • All edges and corners of the work surface should be smooth and free of sharp edges; and
  • The underside of the work surface should be free of sharp protrusions and leg space should be adequate and free of obstructions.

Rule 3: Science shows that a medium-firm mattress is optimal for promoting sleep comfort, quality, and spinal alignment. Again, never buy a mattress that you haven’t tried.

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