Do footrests actually work? "Isn't it just something you put your feet on?" Here are 5 research-backed answers. The bottom line: footrests reduce lower limb fatigue by 23% and can lower lumbar disc pressure by up to 15%.
1. 23% Reduction in Lower Limb Fatigue — When Your Feet Are Supported, Your Legs Rest
A 2019 study published in Ergonomics found that participants using a footrest experienced 23% less lower limb fatigue compared to those without one. Researchers attributed this to the reduction of static load on lower body muscles when feet are properly supported.
Why does this matter? When you sit in a chair and your feet don't fully reach the floor, the backs of your thighs bear extra pressure. This pressure restricts blood circulation, gradually leading to numbness and fatigue.
A footrest isn't just about comfort — it's a tool that reduces the physical load on your lower body.
2. 10–15% Reduction in Lumbar Disc Pressure — The Hidden Solution to Back Pain
A 2021 study in ScienceDirect demonstrated that footrest use resulted in a 10–15% reduction in lumbar disc pressure. The key insight? Back pain isn't always a back problem. Foot position affects pelvic tilt, and pelvic tilt changes spinal alignment.
This is exactly the kinetic chain principle that ROUMO designs around. Bad posture starts from your legs, not your back.
3. 619 Million People Worldwide Suffer from Back Pain
According to the WHO's 2021 report, approximately 619 million people worldwide experience low back pain. That's about 8% of the global population, making it the number one cause of disability.
A significant portion of these cases involve people who sit for extended periods at work. Does upgrading your chair solve the problem? Research suggests chairs alone aren't enough — chairs support your upper body, but your lower body remains unsupported.
4. 46.7% of Workers Use Desks That Don't Fit Their Bodies
A 2025 study in ScienceDirect found that 46.7% of office workers use workstations that don't match their body dimensions. Desks, chairs, and monitors are all designed for the "average" person.
When a 5'3" person and a 6'1" person share the same desk setup, their feet hit the floor differently. A footrest becomes the easiest way to bridge that gap — no need to replace the desk or the chair.
5. The Global Footrest Market: From $9.7B to $15.5B
Market research projects the global footrest market to grow from $9.7 billion to $15.5 billion by 2030 (CAGR 6.2%). Footrests are one of the fastest-growing categories in the office furniture market.
Driving this growth: the remote work revolution, rising ergonomic awareness, and a growing recognition that your chair is only half the solution.
So What Makes ROUMO LC99 Different?
The data all points to one thing: when your foot position changes, your entire sitting posture changes. The ROUMO LC99 was designed around this principle.
- 81 height and angle combinations — find the exact position that fits your body
- Push to move with your feet — no bending over, so it becomes second nature
- Tool-free knob adjustment — easy enough to use every single day
Just place it. Your body knows the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can a footrest help reduce back pain?
Research shows footrests stabilize foot position, improve pelvic angle, and reduce lumbar disc pressure by 10–15%. However, a footrest is not a medical device, and individual results may vary.
Q. What kind of footrest should I choose?
Look for one with adjustable height and angle. Fixed footrests may not fit your body and could actually cause discomfort.
Q. Are footrests only for short people?
No. Regardless of height, most office chairs create situations where feet don't fully reach the floor. Studies show 46.7% of workers use workstations that don't match their body dimensions.
Q. How long should I use a footrest each day?
There's no specific time requirement, but studies showed fatigue reduction during continuous use throughout the workday. The key is building a natural habit of resting your feet when needed.
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