Changes in head and neck posture using an office chair with and without lumbar roll support

Area of Science:

• Ergonomics and Biomechanics
• Spinal Health and Posture
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Forward head posture is a known risk factor for neck pain.
• Ergonomic seating interventions may mitigate neck pain incidence.
• The specific impact of lumbar rolls on cervical spine posture is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in sagittal head and neck posture.
• To assess the effect of office chair adjustments (backrest and seat pan) on posture.
• To evaluate the influence of a lumbar roll on head and neck alignment.

Main Methods:

• A repeated measures observational study involving 30 healthy males (18-30 years).
• Participants were photographed in various office chair configurations with and without a lumbar roll.
• Craniovertebral (CV) angle was measured from digitized photographs to determine head and neck posture.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in mean CV angles were observed with backrest angles at 100 and 110 degrees.
• A 110-degree backrest angle combined with a lumbar roll significantly increased the mean CV angle (2.32 degrees).
• This improvement in CV angle indicates a more favorable head and neck posture.

Conclusions:

• Office chair backrest angulation and lumbar roll support are key factors for improving head and neck postural alignment.
• These ergonomic adjustments can favorably influence sagittal alignment in asymptomatic individuals.
• Further research may explore the long-term effects and broader population applicability.