A Critical Ergonomic Analysis of How Design, Posture, and Personal Characteristics Affect the Pressure at the Seat Pan Interface

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between ergonomic office chair design, posture, and musculoskeletal disorders, particularly focusing on the pressure distribution on the seat pan. As humans spend a significant amount of time seated, the interface pressure on the ischial tuberosities becomes a primary concern, as this area bears much of the body’s weight when seated. The research investigated various ergonomic office chairs sourced from global manufacturers and analyzed the impact of chair design and posture on seat pan pressure. Six different postural angles were used, and the role of armrest usage was also examined. The findings revealed that both mean and peak pressure could be unified into a single “pressure factor,” which explained over 76% of the variance in the data. While the study did not provide a detailed quantification of the chair design qualities most associated with reduced pressure, it suggested the need for further studies focused on specific design and engineering elements of chairs.