The Ultimate Guide to ADHD Chairs

Let’s look in more detail at how dynamic chairs can help individuals with ADHD, and our top recommendations for users looking to manage their symptoms.

Neurodiverse individuals are thought to have low levels of dopamine, which is vital for focus, memory, reward, and motivation. Moving and fidgeting of any kind stimulates the body to produce more dopamine which can help individuals to self-regulate and increase focus and engagement. With an ADHD chair, blood circulation is also stimulated and brain oxygenation is increased, which contributes to mood, attention and focus.

By addressing physical discomfort and the need for movement, ADHD-friendly chairs provide an outlet for users to move (or fidget) without disrupting their work, reducing hyperactivity (through controlled movement), enhancing comfort, and increasing focus. 

In one study, children with and without ADHD exhibited better in-seat behaviour while achieving better results in cognitive tasks when using a dynamic seat (therapy ball, balance pillow, one-legged chair, standing desks), and overall concluded that children with ADHD need a comfortable and pleasant workspace that allows them the right amount of restlessness, such as swinging their legs, squeezing a ball and standing while working.

Another study found that, in children, in-seat behaviour and legible word productivity for students with ADHD increased when seated on therapy balls, which encourages an active sitting approach. Active sitting chairs also demand core engagement or regular movement, which can lead to better posture and enhanced core strength, thus combatting slouching or poor posture which can be linked with ADHD.  

What Features to Look for in an ADHD-Friendly Chair

ADHD-friendly chairs encourage positive movement through certain features.

• A swivel or wobble base that allows users to rock and rotate without having to leave their seats. 
• A full range of motion that allows users to adjust their sitting position, tilt, swivel or rock. 
• Adjustable seat-to-floor height and depth. 
• Durable casters, for smooth and quiet movement. 
• Built-in footrests or footplates what hich can encourage feet to remain grounded, or otherwise encourage a stable sitting position.
  

Our Recommendations

Here are our recommendations for ADHD-friendly chairs that encourage dynamic sitting through their unique features. 

1. Posture Ball

The Bloon Posture Ball is a highly ergonomic chair for any office or home – offering a way of sitting that ensures that your core is always engaged, and you are always comfortable in movement. The Bloon Posture Ball also has a weighted base, meaning that it won’t roll away when not being used.

2. Ergonomic Movement Stool

The Evo Movement Stool is an ergonomic desk stool manufactured in Italy, designed to encourage regular movement and correct posture to keep the user active and healthy.

The Evo has curved base which gives a see-saw movement whilst sitting or leaning, and swivels so the user can move backwards and forwards, or side to side. This technology is made for a healthy working style which improves blood flow around the body and encourages a healthy metabolism. 

3. HAG Capisco 810

An iconic Scandinavian chair, the HAG Capisco encourages an active working style by allowing you to vary your working position.

Ergonomically inspired by a horseback rider’s posture, its pioneering saddle seat and overall unique shape offer endless ways to sit or ‘half stand’ – a concept made possible the the Capisco’s versatility. All of ways of sitting on The HAG Capisco encourage you to vary your position, whether you’re facing forwards, backwards or sideways. Whatever feels most comfortable to you – you can do it, ergonomically!

4. Pipersong Meditation Chair

The Pipersong Meditation Chair can fit all your needs for different sitting positions, from cross-legged to squatting, kneeling, and many more. With an active flexible seating outlet, 360-degree swivel footstool and memory foam padding, it promotes constant movement and stimulation that could benefit those with ADHD.

5. Standard Ergonomic Office Chair

One of the simplest and cheapest solutions for ADHD-friendly seating is finding a comfortable ergonomic office chair, ideally with a footrest. These chairs come with different levels of ergonomic support that can still fulfil the need to regularly adjust seating positions through features like adjustable active tension control, height-adjustable lumbar support, seat slide for increased posture support and a swivel base. Check out the Grace Ergonomic Office Chair with Head Support or Sculpture ER10 Executive Ergonomic Mesh Chair, or read our guide on How to Choose an Ergonomic Office Chair for more guidance. 

6. Standing Desk 

Research has also shown that using a standing desk can encourage movement, reduce fatigue, improve focus and increase productivity levels, which could be beneficial for those with ADHD. Consider pairing your ADHD-friendly chair with a standing desk to easily switch between sitting and standing positions. 

Looking for a chair or standing desk for your home, office or workspace? Check out our collection of ergonomic chairs and standing desks, available for next working day delivery if ordered by 3pm. Our desks come with a 7 year warranty, 30 day risk free return, as well as access to a UK-based customer service team to answer any questions that you might have.

Otherwise, our blog provides more useful tips on using a standing desk for a more balanced lifestyle. Feel free to contact us with any questions, with the handy live chat feature on our site, or via email at info@ergodesks.co.uk.