Postural Adaptations to a Sloping Chair and Work Surface

Abstract

Sitting postures were observed in four different work spaces that were designed using combinations of a conventional chair, a forward-sloping chair, and a horizontal or sloping work surface. Subjects sat at each of the work spaces while a lateral view of posture was recorded using a video camera. The slumped posture typically reported in the literature was observed when the conventional work space was used. When the sloping chair was used, postures exhibited less trunk flexion. When the sloping work surface was used, less neck flexion and a more upright trunk were observed. Although the differences between the work spaces were small, the sloping furniture was perceived to be more comfortable than the conventional furniture.