New Study Explores Impact of Sit-Stand Equipment on Chronic Low Back Pain

ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Low back pain is one of the most common causes of job-related disabilities, influencing employee productivity and ultimately significantly impacting the economic well-being of a business. A pilot study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine examined whether access to the sit-stand workstations could help reduce or relieve chronic low back pain in office workers. Ergotron, Inc, a Nortek company (Nasdaq: NTK) and a leader in the sit-stand workplace revolution, supplied 46 of their flagship WorkFit™ sit-stand workstations for the study.

The research concluded that low back pain may be improved by the introduction of sit-stand workstations which enable "postural variation" throughout the workday. Some key findings include:

• Reduced pain: At the end of the study, participants who used the sit-stand workstations were 78 percent more likely to report a pain-free day than those who worked at their regular workstations
• Quick intervention: Participants began to experience a difference in approximately 15 days after the sit-stand computer workstation was installed
• Increased concentration: Participants reported significantly lower back and neck pain, noting the pain was significantly less likely to interfere with their ability to concentrate

"These results reinforce the importance of movement and activity in creating a healthier workforce and population," said Carrie Schmitz, senior research manager for Ergotron. "Our mission is to design and supply products that help the human body compute in comfort and increase movement throughout the day."

"Our sit-stand workstations allow seamless movement between sitting and standing positions, offering users ergonomic comfort in addition to many other health-related benefits," said Pete Segar, group president, display mount solutions for Nortek. "We will continue to build on our WorkFit product line to help impact the health and productivity of the world's office workers."

The Stanford University study findings were recently published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, you can read more here: http://journals.lww.com/joem/Abstract/publishahead/Impact_of_a_Sit_Stand_Workstation_on_Chronic_Low.99029.aspx.

For more information on the specific Ergotron sit-stand workstations used in the study, visit:

• WorkFit-S
• WorkFit-A
• WorkFit-A Premium

A full listing of studies using Ergotron sit-stand workstations can be found online at Research.ergotron.com. 

About Ergotron

Ergotron, Inc. is a global manufacturer of leading digital display mounting, furniture, and mobility products that have been improving the human interface with digital displays for over 35 years. This history of innovation and passion for differentiation is evidenced in over 70 patents and a growing portfolio of award winning brands—OmniMount®, StyleView®, TeachWell®, WorkFit™, Neo-Flex® and ErgotronHome™—for computer monitors, notebooks, tablets, flat panel displays and TVs. Ergotron's products incorporate patented CF lift and pivot motion technology to achieve less effort and more ergonomic motion for a healthier and more interactive user experience when viewing any digital display. Whether to enhance computing wellness or entertainment excitement, improve workplace productivity or create business process efficiencies, Ergotron's products are positioning your digital world. Disclaimer: Ergotron devices are not intended for to cure, treat, mitigate or prevent any disease. Ergotron is headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with sales efforts in Phoenix, Amersfoort, London, Tokyo, and Singapore. Ergotron is a subsidiary of Nortek, Inc.(Nasdaq: NTK), a global, diversified company whose many market-leading brands deliver broad capabilities and a wide array of innovative, technology-driven products and solutions for lifestyle improvement at home and at work. Please visit www.nortek.com for more information.

SOURCE Ergotron