ABSTRACT
The conformation of a seated person has so far been unknown to most doctors, furniture designers, and physiotherapists; however, the German orthopaedic surgeon, Hans Schoberth, has carried out some excellent research on problems of sitting posture. In the modern electronic office height adjustment is even more important as many will have to sit for many hours with highly repetitive work and without the possibility of moving. The traditional solutions with low furniture and "effective" lumbar support have been prevailing. The lumbar support will only have effect if the seat is sloping backwards so that the point of gravity of the body is forced backwards, behind the supporting areas. This, however, leads to increased pressure under the knees and will tend to tilt the axis of the pelvis backwards. In this way the effect of the lumbar support is counteracted.
