First Investigation of Posture

We begin our quest of ergonomic response by asking the question:  What is Ideal Posture”.  It didn’t take long to find that this topic has a wide range of opinions.  A study at the University of Queensland asked participants to replicate four postures that were ideal for relieving strain on our lower backs while seated. When the individuals attempted to replicate these postures they were unsuccessful. This study speculates that we are incapable a sitting correctly and that it is something that has to be learned.  This brings up the question; can a chair promote proper posture through its design?

Other research shows that poor posture commonly referred to as slouching is not as bad as we may think.  This tendency to lean forward and adjust pressure to our lower tailbone and upper back is in response to the discomfort created from sitting at a ninety degree angle.  Levent Caglar from the charity BackCare had to say,

“As to what is the best angle between thigh and torso when seated, reclining at 135 degrees can make sitting more difficult as there is a tendency to slide off the seat: 120 degrees or less may be better.”

New concepts in seating suggest that the best and natural position for our spines to be at in is found when we are standing.  Chairs that provide support in a standing position keep the spine up right and evenly distributed pressure on our discs. This is known as (Lordosis), conversely Kyphosis refers to uneven pressure on our discs.

Lastly, in chapter 3 of Galen Cranz book, The Chair, she describes an “inherent instability” that is a result of poor sitting habits of western civilizations.  We start by sitting with our backs all the way in the chair.  This posture begins to fail as downward pressure in our hips redirects us into slouching position.  Slouching proves to be even more uncomfortable, leaving our lungs felt congested and our ribs digging into our stomachs.  We relieve this discomfort by correct our slouching only to find that we are now sitting without any back support, and thus move back to the original seated position.

These first investigation have made me aware of:

Seating Angle (ranges from 100-135 Degrees)

Importance of feet being flat on the ground while seated

Impossible to expect Humans to sit in same position for long periods of time

Correct posture may not be achievable through seating alone