How Ergonomic Design Can Alleviate Muscle Strain

Prior to opening Perry Smith Fitness Concepts in Nashville, Tennessee area, Perry Smith founded and led his own physical therapy practice for more than a decade. During this period, Perry Smith managed offices in Brentwood, Tennessee and McLean, Virginia, providing guidance to clients who sought advice on injury prevention.

In the workplace, physical injuries can be minimized if furniture and equipment are designed using ergonomics, which incorporates concepts from kinesiology, biomechanics, and other disciplines. Since many office jobs require employees to sit at a computer for hours at a time, musculoskeletal injuries such as tendonitis, lower back pain, and neck stiffness have become increasingly common. Ergonomically designed chairs, desks, and other office equipment help alleviate these conditions.

Using a standing or elevated desk can reduce the risk of developing a repetitive strain injury. Standing desks should be set to a height that allows the user to place their keyboard near their hips, while raising the top of the computer monitor to eye level. Standing desks are most effective when used with an anti-fatigue mat or footrest. Employees who use standing desks should also change positions at least every 45 minutes to avoid muscle strain.