Gaming chairs could be a gimmick

Can these cool looking chairs be a good choice for your home office setup?

Gaming chairs have become popular during the pandemic for use for a home office setup. This article will dissect the differences between an office task chair and a gaming chair.

You will find that various types of work and various types of gaming exist, however, the “fit” factor of the workstation remains the same. So, let’s look at what features are typically found in the design of a gaming chair and if they can be positive or negative in terms of ergonomics. This article will also touch on what features you might want to have present in a gaming chair and other features which may be deemed a gimmick (aside from the racing stripes).

Characteristics of gaming chairs and ergonomic perspective

Characteristic:

The full backrest extends all the way up to support the neck, not typical to most office task chairs. Most of the time, the neck support is not independently adjustable, so designers add a pillow for the neck spinal arch.

Ergonomics:

Neck support is not an essential feature of a chair unless you have a condition that requires you to immobilize your neck. Immobilizing your neck can encourage further tightness and atrophy of the muscles of the neck and shoulders.

Characteristic:

Gaming chairs provide the feeling of being spooned by cradling the upper and lower back. The upper back and shoulder support encourages shoulders protraction and the impression of comfort and security in the chair. This is contradictory to a typical task chair as it will typically encourage retraction of the shoulders and an opening up of the chest.

Ergonomics:

Shoulder protraction is a poor posture and should be avoided. Opening the chest is the best way to discourage abnormal kyphosis of the upper back which can result in back pain and stiffness.

Characteristic:

The armrests, back, lumbar support, and headrest may or may not be adjustable. Most office chairs have adjustability in these areas as well. Lack any seat pan depth adjustability(length of horizontal seat).

Ergonomics:

Lack seat pan adjustability which some of task chairs offer but this may or may not be a concern unless you are short or tall.

Characteristic:

The seat back does not adjust independently of the seat pan.

Ergonomics:

Since gamers are notorious for sitting for prolonged periods, this typically causes tightness in the lower back and hips. This is a key rationale behind the use of sit/stand desks.

Characteristic:

The lumbar support of gaming chairs is very prominent, less prominent than office task chairs.

Ergonomics:

In my professional opinion, the lumbar support is a pillow which is typically too prominent encouraging some people to not keep their upper back against the back of the chair properly.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, if you buy a gaming chair it is most likely not the best choice but if your choices are Amazon, this is a mid-sized office chair example I recommend.