Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

The majority of North Americans work in occupations that require them to remain in a seated static position forx000D
prolonged periods of time. Prolonged sitting due to inactivity leads to high mortality rates, low back painx000D
problems, weight gain and various other physiological and physical problems. Sitting discomfort can lead to ax000D
reduction in concentration and work productivity. Lifeform Funriture Manufacturing Inc, a well-respectedx000D
Canadian seat manufacturing company that has acquired a new innovative piece of technology. This newx000D
'Core-Flex' technology could help address concerns associated with prolonged sitting. The Core-flexx000D
technology allows for movement for the seated worker by engaging the legs and abdominals while remainingx000D
productive at the workplace. The Core-Flex technology consists of a split seat pan that promotes back, pelvicx000D
and hip motion by alternating active ankle and hip motion similar to a walking action. To date, this "activex000D
sitting" approach has not has no empirical evidence to support its incussion in office seat design. The goal ofx000D
this project is to assess and help better understand the human-factor outcomes of using an active office chair.x000D
The project will determine whether the Core-Flex technology: 1 promotes sitting pressure on the ischialx000D
tuberosities; 2 demonstrates an increased blood flow in the legs during prolonged sitting; and 3 promotesx000D
neutral postures and reduce sitting discomfort. Findings from this research will inform Core-Flex's developingx000D
prototype before it becomes available to market. The concerns related to sedentary behaviour, such as sitting atx000D
work, requires a practical solution, which may be provided by active seat technology. This would translate intox000D
reduced sitting discomfort, increased concentration during prolonged sitting and increased productivity.