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Ergonomic Chairs
The posture that an astronaut's body assumes while floating in the microgravity
of space has provided anthropometric data useful in designing chairs for
the workplace.
Measurements recorded in orbit by NASA astronauts have shown, in its
most unstressed and relaxed state, the human body assumes a trunk-to-thigh
angle of 128 degrees. This zero-gravity posture was found to place the
musculoskeletal system in its most rested condition. Specifically, this
natural posture fosters a non-stressed muscle system, correctly aligned
vertebrae, better breathing, improved digestion, and enhanced circulation.
Crew members living aboard NASA's roomy Skylab orbital station in the
mid-1970s noted that in space, the human posture differs from the normal
posture caused by the tug of one gravity. These findings and others were
collected by the Johnson Space Center, then published in a NASA Anthropometric
Source Book.
This reference material helped BodyBilt®, Inc. of Navasota, Texas,
a subsidiary of ErgoBilt, Inc., to fashion controlled comfort chairs that
lessen the harmful effects of gravity on seated workers. A brochure from
the company puts the product into perspective: "A pressure-reducing
contour that lessens the devastating effects of gravity. From space-age
research, a seating system developed to support a natural, stress-free
posture."
| Studies of astronauts floating in microgravity
have yielded data useful in the design of chairs that relieve the body
of back and leg pain, as well as muscle fatigue in the workplace. |
BodyBilt's ergonomically-correct line of office chairs are targeted
for the average worker that sits for prolonged periods, be it in the cleanroom
or the boardroom. There has been an alarming increase in back pain and
muscle fatigue in workers, along with a dramatic escalation in repetitive
stress injuries. In fact, U.S. Department of Labor statistics show that
more than 60 percent of all occupational illnesses are now due to repetitive
motion disorders, including those resulting from sitting and carrying out
intensive tasks. The costs of claims by employees afflicted by these problems
is on the rise. Lower back pain, exacerbated by poor seated posture and
inadequate weight support, is second only to the common cold as a cause
for missed work. Back problems are the number one injury for workers under
the age of 45.
Crafted into BodyBilt chairs is a 10-point posture control system and
pressure-reducing seat contours. These features, among others, are designed
to reduce work injuries while increasing comfort and productivity.
BodyBilt's Task Series is designed for users who require a high degree
of lower back support for desktop-intensive tasks. To meet a variety of
workplace needs, BodyBilt also offers a Management Series chair for managers
and executives. Also, one group of workers--those above-average built employees--are
served by BodyBilt's Big & Tall Series chair, which is designed specifically
to accommodate users up to 350-lbs. The company also offers a line of medical
chairs and a new line of side chairs (guest seating).
The BodyBilt line includes a range of features, such as an adjustable
backrest, pivoting seat arms, and tilt tension control. A specialized lumbar
support structure can be augmented by the optional Air Lumbar™ Pump,
giving each user a custom fit for highly effective lower back support.
One-touch controls give the chair user quick access to the natural, stress-free
posture that mimics the absence of gravity.
BodyBilt's roster of national clients lists such organizations as IBM,
Microsoft, Texas Instruments, Hewlett Packard, Eastman-Kodak, Boeing, Motorola
and Walt Disney Studios.
® BodyBilt is a registered trademark of BodyBilt, Inc.
™ Air Lumbar is a trademark of BodyBilt, Inc.
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