ergonomic foot rests

Benefits of Under Desk Foot Rests – Do They Actually Work?

Ergonomic footrests improve comfort for long stints seated at a desk or sitting workstation. Footrests help reduce back strain and allow a worker to change positions by shifting weight.

Footrests align posture, reduce fatigue, and ease pain or discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, and thighs.

Do Ergonomic Foot Rests for Desks Actually Work?

Besides improving circulation, a small footrest makes good chair posture easier and keeps the sitting position back in the chair. For individuals shorter in height, a chair might not sit low enough for the legs to make steady, comfortable contact with the floor. A footrest is most beneficial for those under the average height (female 5’2, male 5’6).

An ergonomic footrest keeps the body in an upright posture and prevents the legs from hanging uncomfortably. Blood flow and circulation increase, thus lowering the chances of leg pain, stiffness, and developing varicose veins or blood clots.

The Science of How Foot Rests Improve Posture and Comfort

A chair height that is too high for the user may lead users to sit crossed legged instead of with their feet on the floor. Studies show that sitting with the legs crossed for ” longer than three hours per day may cause shoulder inclination, lateral pelvic tilt and forward head posture.

Because a footrest encourages movement of the feet and ankles when seated, the user is less likely to stay in an entirely static position for long periods of time. Static posture, also known as “postural fixivity”, is one factor in developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Micromovements of the toes, feet, and ankles encourage venous return and reduce blood pooling.

Studies suggest workers should modify their posture so that they mix sitting, standing, leaning, and use of a foot rail or footrest as much as possible.

How to Choose the Right Ergonomic Footrest

There are multiple types of foot rests for desks which include foot flexors, tall foot flexors, and foot bars. The ideal solution varies depending on user height, desk configuration, and seating preference.

Foot Flexors – Desk Foot Rests for Standard Height

footrests for desks

A standard foot flexor is a small platform which flexes back and forwards in a short throw movement. The subtle movement reduces stress on blood vessels and nerves which may contribute to static muscle loading.

Tall Foot Flexors – Desk Foot Rests for Shorter Profile

under the desk foot rest

Tall foot flexors are under-desk footrests best suited for shorter people who sit lower to the ground. The elevated platform increases range while also providing the same features as the short flexor versions.

Foot Bars – Foot Rests for Standing Positions

foot bar for standing

A Foot Bar is a simple solution, giving you a place to rest your feet during the day. The curved design is lightweight and durable and ideal for people who use sit-stand stools or are required to stand in one place for long periods of time.

Standing foot rest bars are ideal when standing in one place or while switching between sitting and standing positions throughout the day. Resting one foot at a time on the bar reduces pressure on the lower back and allows more dynamic posture throughout the day.

Where’s the Best Place to Buy Desk Footrests Online?

Find all of the products mentioned in this post on the PAC webstore. For help with selection or bulk purchases, our technical sales specialists are available every business day between 8:30 AM – to 5PM (CST & PST time zones).

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Mitch Walleser

Mitch Walleser

Mitch is a contributing writer for Production Automation Corporation. PAC is a factory-direct distributor of products and environmental solutions for industrial and critical requirements within electronics, medical device, life science, pharmaceutical, and general manufacturing industries. Mitch has worked with manufacturing engineers, in-house specialists, and factory experts to highlight and uncover manufacturing solutions. His background includes 3D printing, electronics, and cleanroom manufacturing.

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