CHAIRS

Back Angle

Some chairs have adjustable back angles that are very useful when resting the back. This is not advised for when actually working at the desk but when perhaps taking a break from the keyboard or sitting in a meeting.
Chairs having this option usually have adjustable ‘limiters’ to allow how far back and how much pressure is preferable. If you have this option use it frequently, as it helps a lot. 

Armrests

Armrests are not necessary when using a desk or keyboard, but are a  personal preference, as the arms should be relaxed by the side when typing on a keyboard anyway. Armrests may also prohibit the chair from getting close enough to the desk. However for those who use them be sure to adjust them correctly.

The armrest height should allow the elbows to rest gently without shrugging the shoulders. More modern chairs have width adjustments also to accommodate the different widths of shoulders.
In addition some armrests can slide forward, tilt up and down and rotate in and out.

Seat Tilts

Some seats come with seat tilts as an added adjustment for comfort preference. These are usually not necessary. Tilting the seat down could help with postural alignment by helping the lumbar arch and placing the spine in a more upright position. However this usually causes a shearing force on the thigh and if the clothing materials are relatively slippy (polyesters) the individual may find themselves gradually sliding down the chair!

Tilt Lock

Releasing the tilt lock and leaning backwards is comfortable but likely to lift the feet off the floor, and cause the individual to reach for the desk—increasing the risk of muscle strain. This option should realistically be used when resting from deskwork, ie. reading or watching the screen.

Casters

Casters are on virtually all office chairs, however should be appropriate for different floor surfaces. A hard plastic caster is appropriate for carpeting, where there is some rolling resistance to the wheels. This prevents the chair from sliding away (usually backwards) when sitting at the desk.
A more rubberized caster is available for hard surfaces like wooden floors.


Floor Mats

Floor mats are available in both harder or softer surfaces to place under the chair if the casters damage the floor or you have the wrong casters for the surface.

Shown: Walmart.com

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