Regensburg seminar on healthy seating, led by Joachim Grifka
In the era of the pandemic, a significant shift has been observed in the health concerns of office workers. A 33% increase in patients with treatable neck spine complaints, including disc herniations in some cases, was reported during the Covid period. This surge in neck issues can be attributed to the rise in home office work, which has become a staple for many jobs.
Screen work, a part of about 70% of jobs in Germany, has led to a rise in back and shoulder-neck complaints. Recognising this issue, the DKV has published an average daily sitting load of more than ten hours for workers in Germany. This prolonged sedentary lifestyle has made ergonomics in office chairs a pressing concern.
In an effort to address this issue, Prof. Joachim Grifka, the head of the Research Center for Orthopedics and Ergonomics at the Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg, has developed a thoracic support as an alternative to the traditional lumbar bulge in office chairs. This innovative design has proven effective in daily use.
The two-day symposium "Healthy Sitting", held at the OTH, brought together experts from all over Germany. Prof. Grifka shared his insights at the event, emphasising the potential for modern manufacturing techniques to implement customised seat equipment for a large number of vehicle owners, following the model set by rally legend Walter Röhrl, who achieved his successes with customised individual seats.
Mayor Dr. Astrid Freudenstein attended the symposium and recognised the great innovative power of OTH Regensburg, which conducts application-oriented research in close cooperation with small and medium-sized businesses and industry to strengthen competitiveness.
For those interested in learning more about Prof. Grifka's work, more information can be found on his website, and a podcast episode featuring him on the topic of "Healthy Sitting" is available.
It's worth noting that musculoskeletal diseases are the second most common cause of work absenteeism and early retirement in Germany, accounting for almost a third of all work-related absences. Therefore, the importance of ergonomics in office chairs and the correct adjustment of the chair and the position of the screen cannot be overstated in preventing and alleviating discomfort from desk work.
The service sector, of great importance in Germany, is also impacted by these issues. As we navigate through the post-pandemic world, it's crucial to prioritise employee health and well-being, ensuring a productive and comfortable work environment for all.
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