In 2003, Maureen Becker, PT, DHSc, published research that sought to find answers on improving seated posture via ergonomics. Noting that the most widespread work posture today is a seated posture, Becker stated that “over time, workplace deficiencies [associated with a seated posture] can cause such problems as physical symptoms of musculoskeletal stress and disorder, emotional distress, low productivity, and poor quality of work.” Participants in her study, college students, were found to change position in their seats more often the longer they sat and reported back pain associated with the chairs they used, but as students, Becker noted, the classroom environment didn’t offer them much of an opportunity to move around.
Would adjustability in posture help relieve their discomfort? Yes, say both experts and research. A recent study by Alan Hedge, Ph.D., CPE, for example, found that workers reported less musculoskeletal discomfort and greater productivity when they were given a choice of standing or sitting to work. Other studies have also agreed