An orthopedic chair with the active sitting function (a prospective project)

Aim: this study is aimed at developing the design of an orthopedic chair for persons with musculoskeletal disorders, which will meet the requirements of ergonomics and have the active sitting function. Materials and methods. The study involves the methods of patent search, the analysis of publications and market analysis, which allowed to create a prototype of the chair. The Xsens 3D motion tracking system was used to provide a comparative analysis of postural data during sitting in a standard office chair and in a prototype of the orthopedic chair. Results. A prototype of the chair was made of composite fiber materials using additive technologies. Xsens data showed that there were significant differences in postural data obtained in a standard office chair and in an orthopedic one. The data obtained allowed to develop technical requirements for at least 3 sizes of the chair with the active sitting function and integrated rotation mechanism. These data will be used for the product, which takes into account anthropometric features of children and adults. Conclusion. Our prototype contributes to the improvement of sitting posture due to the anatomical form of the chair seat, chair height adjustment mechanism and active sitting function, which prevents users from sitting incorrectly and strengthens postural muscles.