Measuring office chair ergonomics using 3D motion analysis equipment

ISKU has implemented a research project on the ergonomics of office chairs in cooperation with the Department of Applied Physics of the University of Eastern Finland. The aim of the study is to compare two office chairs during four different work tasks by measuring differences in muscle activities and joint angles.

Observation of muscle activity and body postures

ISKU has in collaboration with the HUMEA laboratory of the Department of Applied Physics at the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio tested the ergonomics of office chairs. Muscle activities were measured using wireless EMG sensors from the shoulder and abdominal muscles as well as two different lower back muscles. Joint angles and upper body positions are determined in the laboratory using 3D motion analysis equipment consisting of ten cameras. In addition to the data collected by measuring devices, the analysis combines subjective feelings and observations from working in office chairs. Sixteen volunteers participated in the study.

 

ISKUs Development Manager, Tuomas Mehtiö, also acted as a test subject.

The aim of the study is to develop even better office chairs

ISKU has a long history of furnishing work environments and office chairs are one of the key product groups. The role of ergonomics has been further emphasized in the context of remote working. There may already be a high-quality ergonomic chair in the workplace, but at home, ergonomics might vary.

“We wanted to get a broad view of the ergonomics offered by our office chairs. The research is part of ISKUs product development work for office chairs. This way we can further improve the ergonomics of the chairs”, says Development Manager Tuomas Mehtiö.

Professor Pasi Karjalainen is responsible for the research in the HUMEA laboratory. The research is carried out by postdoctoral researcher Paavo Vartiainen and docent Hanna Pohjola. Designer Petteri Häkkinen and Development Manager Tuomas Mehtiö are involved in the study from ISKU.