A feature of modern working life is how easy it is to become trapped into a sedentary existence. We spend long periods using keyboards, even during lunch hour checking emails, and then in the car or on the bus or train home. It should be no surprise that the result of so much time spent in a fixed position is an increase in the incidence of neck, shoulder and back injuries. And it really is no surprise that experts agree that it is vital to incorporate more movement and flexibility into what otherwise are quite static and sedentary working roles. But how to achieve this'A recent study reported in the industry press suggested that - as opposed to the age-old advice to sit up straight - a slumped position actually appears to be the healthier option. The study at Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen, Scotland asked 22 volunteers with no history of back trouble to adopt a slouch, a 90 degree and a 135 degree angled sitting position, whilst being scanned by an MRI scanner. The results showed the latter angled position to place least strain on the lower back.



One solution here is posture-monitoring software such as the proprietary PostureMinder which offers a neat software-based solution to the problem of injuries due to poor posture at the desk. Such systems continually check your posture via a webcam, and deliver on-screen reminders to you when you have been consistently sitting badly for a minute or two, for example.

However, in the end, with proper office furniture in place, plus footrests, flexible PC monitor adjusting arms, TCO approved VDUs and all other ergonomic hardware, it remains imperative to think less about the positioning of the equipment - important as it is - and think more about varying the position of the individuals using them, including constant reminders to take short breaks and varying the office routine as far as possible.