Impact of an ergonomic seat on the stand-to-sit strategy in healthy subjects: Spinal and lower limbs kinematics

Abstract Purpose To assess differences in spinal, pelvic and lower limb parameters in healthy individuals during a stand-to-sit task using three different seating conditions. Methods Ten healthy adults carried out three stand-to-sit movements on different stools: a high ergonomic stool with the seat tilted 10° forward; a standard stool (adjusted to the same height as the ergonomic stool) and a standard stool at a lower level (so their thighs were horizontal). Movements were recorded by an optoelectronic Vicon system. Results Hip flexion was altered by the height of the seat (significantly greater for the low standard stool in comparison to either the ergonomic stool or the high standard stool (p  Conclusion Lumbar lordosiswas not increased by the ergonomic stool and the range of lower limb motion was reduced by the high seat. These findings contrast with current opinion that ergonomic seats promote lumbar lordosis.