Thu, Jun 18, 2026
Volume 16, Issue 2 (Spring 2026)
PTJ 2026, 16(2): 133-150 |
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Khaliliyan H, Bahramizadeh M, Faghih Jouibari M, Ansari M, Batra K, Ghaffari F, et al . Effects of Ergonomic Chairs on Workplace Musculoskeletal Health: A Systematic Review. PTJ 2026; 16 (2) :133-150
URL: http://ptj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-837-en.html
URL: http://ptj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-837-en.html
Hanieh Khaliliyan1 
, Mahmood Bahramizadeh *2 , Morteza Faghih Jouibari3 , Majid Ansari4 , Kavita Batra5 , Farhad Ghaffari6 , Arash Sharafatvaziri7 , Amir Reza Vosoughi8 , Hicham Khabbache9 , Francesco Chirico10
, Mahmood Bahramizadeh *2 , Morteza Faghih Jouibari3 , Majid Ansari4 , Kavita Batra5 , Farhad Ghaffari6 , Arash Sharafatvaziri7 , Amir Reza Vosoughi8 , Hicham Khabbache9 , Francesco Chirico10
1- Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
2- Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Department of neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
5- Department of Medical Education and Office of Research, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, United States.
6- Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
7- Center for Orthopedic Trans-Disciplinary Applied Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
8- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Orthopedic & Rehabilitation Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
9- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences, Fès-Saïss, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fes, Morocco.
10- Department of Health Service, School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
2- Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Department of neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
5- Department of Medical Education and Office of Research, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, United States.
6- Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
7- Center for Orthopedic Trans-Disciplinary Applied Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
8- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Orthopedic & Rehabilitation Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
9- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences, Fès-Saïss, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fes, Morocco.
10- Department of Health Service, School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
Abstract: (1598 Views)
Purpose: This study aimed to review the impact of ergonomic chairs on clinical and biomechanical outcomes for seated workers.
Methods: We adhered to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to determine article eligibility and evaluated methodological quality using the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale. The strength of the evidence was appraised using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations (GRADE) framework. A narrative synthesis was then conducted to summarize the extracted data in descriptive form.
Results: A total of 32 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis, involving 1,637 participants. The review showed that ergonomic chair designs have mixed results for pain reduction, with some improvements but not consistently across studies. Positive and consistent outcomes were observed in comfort enhancement. The impact on disability was not significant, while benefits were noted in reducing spinal shrinkage and altering muscle activation. Furthermore, ergonomic chairs influenced energy expenditure, body kinematics, and pressure distribution, while dynamic, custom-designed systems enhanced trunk muscle activation. An adjustable chair positively affected joint posture.
Conclusion: Ergonomic chairs, especially dynamic and adjustable ones, provide comfort and biomechanical support to seated workers; although, the benefits regarding pain reduction are inconsistent. These findings suggest that choosing ergonomically designed chairs is a positive step toward workplace wellness. Further research is needed to standardize designs and optimize interventions for various occupational settings.
Methods: We adhered to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to determine article eligibility and evaluated methodological quality using the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale. The strength of the evidence was appraised using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations (GRADE) framework. A narrative synthesis was then conducted to summarize the extracted data in descriptive form.
Results: A total of 32 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis, involving 1,637 participants. The review showed that ergonomic chair designs have mixed results for pain reduction, with some improvements but not consistently across studies. Positive and consistent outcomes were observed in comfort enhancement. The impact on disability was not significant, while benefits were noted in reducing spinal shrinkage and altering muscle activation. Furthermore, ergonomic chairs influenced energy expenditure, body kinematics, and pressure distribution, while dynamic, custom-designed systems enhanced trunk muscle activation. An adjustable chair positively affected joint posture.
Conclusion: Ergonomic chairs, especially dynamic and adjustable ones, provide comfort and biomechanical support to seated workers; although, the benefits regarding pain reduction are inconsistent. These findings suggest that choosing ergonomically designed chairs is a positive step toward workplace wellness. Further research is needed to standardize designs and optimize interventions for various occupational settings.
Keywords: Chair, Musculoskeletal disorders, Public health, Health promotion, Sitting posture, Sedentary worker
Type of Study: Systematic Review |
Subject:
Occupational Therapy
Received: 2025/10/6 | Accepted: 2025/10/14 | Published: 2026/04/1
Received: 2025/10/6 | Accepted: 2025/10/14 | Published: 2026/04/1
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