[Medically correct sitting, does it exist?]

Abstract

In the relaxed sitting position on conventional seats the lordosis of the lumbar spine is often lost. This can cause overstress of the discs, ligaments and muscles. Ergonomically correct seating aims at avoiding this. Some of the relevant seat characteristics concern back rest, seat base, arm rests, upholstering, individual adaptation and integration into the environment. In addition to office seats, "alternative" seats, car seats, and school benches are discussed. Since sitting invariably is associated with unfavourable statics, "correct" seating is a contradiction in itself. The aim can only be to minimize injury and to define a seat which causes the least damage. Considering its potential importance, the further neglect of this subject by medical research is unjustified.