Personalized desks may benefit health

Personalized desks may benefit health


When it comes to ideal ergonomics, your work space has a sweet spot.

Studies have shown that sitting all day at a computer can negatively affect your health, and cause back and muscle pain. Now, a small study by researchers at Northeastern University found that precision matters. The way workers position their computer mouse, keyboard and desk height is the key to having the most comfortable work day possible. The study, published in The Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, found that the “sweet spots” of personalized desk configuration varied between each person and were different when desks are in sitting or standing mode.

During the study, researchers had 20 adults between the ages of 21 and 40 alternate between sitting and standing work stations in four testing periods of 45 minutes each. Every 11 minutes, the team work stations were adjusted. Using light-emitting diodes, they were able to track how each person tweaked the workstation to fit their bodies. The results showed that when people were standing, they tended to lower the monitor and move the mouse and keyboard closer to their body.

The study provides evidence that the adjustability of new desk designs needs to be customizable enough so that everyone can find their ideal position, keeping in mind that sitting and standing preferences differ.

Researchers said the findings will be useful in drafting guidelines to help people use sit-stand workstations safely and achieve the goal of lowering musculoskeletal pain or discomfort.

So when you get to work this morning, take a look at your computer workstation. A small change or two could make a big difference.

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