Focal Foot Bar

by Focal Upright Furniture

Additional Resources Usage Tips Accessories

The Foot Bar from Focal Upright offers those who work at standing workstations the opportunity to adopt varying postures throughout their workday. Now, rather than standing with both feet planted, it is now possible to one foot and rest it on the bar. This simple movement eases pressure on the sole of the foot, and encourages blood to circulate more easily through the tissues of the lower leg. The Foot Bar can also provide relief for the lower back. With prolonged standing, the natural curvature of the back often becomes gradually more extreme as the muscles tire. This poor posture can result in fatigue at work, and backache at the end of the day. Raising and supporting one foot reduces this extreme curvature, allowing the back to return to its stronger, more gently curved S-shape. The partially supported stance helps to alleviate muscle fatigue and reduce the risk of back pain. The low 3.5" height of the bar lets workers easily switch from one foot to the other.

The Focal Upright Foot Bar is also beneficial for those who work at sit-stand workstations, and who perch or lean on a seat, (such as the Mobis Seat by Focal Upright) allowing them to brace their feet against the bar. (For a comparable stance, refer to our information on the Locus Seat.)

The Foot Bar provides over 20" of rail width supported on both ends by sturdy non-marking rubber supports. Effective grippers keep the bar in place on both hard and soft surfaces. Raised ridges running the width of the bar can provide a comfortable massaging effect for those who opt to work without footwear.

Note: This item is now discontinued. We recommend the SAIPH Foot Brace Rail as a replacement.

Ergonomic Benefits

Reduces Risk of Lower Back Pain - Standing with the feet flat for extended periods of time (such as at a standing desk or counter) requires the muscles of the lower back to remain in a state of constant tension. This tension is greater if the abdominal muscles are weak. As the muscles tire, the back tends to curve or arch, which can often lead to an unnatural and unhealthy degree of lordosis (sometimes referred to as 'swayback'). Since some degree of unnatural curvature is already common to many back problems, a standing workstation has the potential to increase, rather than decrease, pain and fatigue. Occasionally raising a foot and resting it on the Foot Bar will slightly reduce this overcurvature. This enables the muscles of the lower back to relax and rest, thereby reducing the risk of overstressed muscles and accompanying pain.

Reduces Risk of Lower Limb Circulation Problems - Static standing has been identified as a contributing factor in the development of edema (swelling of the lower legs). When the muscles of the lower legs are not being flexed they cannot pump blood and fluids through the circulatory system. As the user raises and lowers the foot to the Focal Foot Bar, the muscles of the lower leg are engaged, encouraging the pumping action which then helps move these fluids back through the system.

Reduces Weight Load on Legs and Feet - Raising the feet for a few minutes at a time reduces the overall load and lets the tissues recover. By employing the Foot Bar to brace themselves against a perching or leaning seat, users of sit-stand seating can transfer even more weight from the feet to the seat.

Encourages Neutral Ankle Alignment - Many common types of leaning stools or seats put the ankle into a position of plantar flexion. While the ankle is fully capable of handling an average degree of plantar flexion this should occur in combination with an equal amount of dorsiflexion--this is what occurs in the act of walking or running. However, by leaning against a seat or stool with the feet planted flat on the floor, the user puts the ankle into a position of sustained plantar flexion. Extended time spent in this position can increase the risk of shortening the Achilles tendon or developing plantar fasciitis. This risk can be further exacerbated by high heels. By using the Focal Foot Bar to brace against while sitting on a typical leaning stool, the user can angle the foot upward, significantly reducing the risk of sustained plantar flexion. The result is that the angle between the leg and ankle is now much closer to the neutral 90º, yielding a much safer position.

Features

Sturdy Construction: The Focal Foot Bar is comprised of a strong extruded aluminum bar or rail supported on both ends by sturdy non-slip rubber floor mounts. The Foot Bar will easily permit even heavier users to brace against it without concern that it will fail.
Lightweight: In spite of its sturdy build, the Foot Bar weighs in at just 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg) and can easily be moved when necessary.
Stable: The non-slip textured feet on the Foot Bar grip both hard and soft floor surfaces and provide a stable surface for both resting and bracing against.
Wide Support: The Foot Bar offers users over 20" of surface for foot support, enough to comfortably brace both feet against when used with a leaning stool or similar seat.
Comfortable: The Foot Bar has lateral ridges running the width of the bar as well as on the end supports. For users who work without footwear this textured surface can help to stimulate nerves and improve bloodflow in the feet. The curve of the bar ensures a comfortable placement regardless of where the feet are positioned.

Images (Click on any thumbnail to view larger image)

Focal Foot Bar	Focal Foot Bar - Side Profile	Focal Foot Bar - Closeup of Textured Surface	Focal Foot Bar with Mobis Seat
Focal Foot Bar - In Use

Technical Specifications

Width: 26" (66 cm)
Depth: 14" (35.6 cm)
Height: 3.5" (8.9 cm)
Weight: 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg)
Materials: Extruded annodized aluminum, non-marking butyl rubber
Warranty: Manufacturer Direct
Package Contents: Focal Foot Bar

Models

Model #	Description
FFR-1000	Focal Foot Bar, Black Sides with Silver Bar, 26" Long x 14" Deep x 3.5" High Consider the: SAIPH Foot Brace Rail