Traditional seating posture i.e. upright,  can increase kyphosis , an outward rounding of the lumbar region of the spine. In an upright 90° sitting position your hip joints bend & rotate your pelvis axis backwards, flattening the lumbar curve and straining the muscles of the back. When leaning forward you have to bend further, mainly in the 4th & 5th lumbar discs, so a back support on a traditional chair will not influence posture when leaning over to work- see diagram 1.

In terms of posturally healthy sitting and maintaining a healthy spine we should avoid kyphosis in the low back and maintain a moderate level of lordosis (the natural or inward curvature of the lumbar region of the spine). This means incorporating the natural curves of the spine into our seated posture- see diag.2.

diagram 1

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Some negative effects include:

• Traditional Seating increases an outward rounding of the spine and spinal posture tends to collapse.
   

• As the back bulges out you get a rounding of the lower back that may also encompass shoulder, neck and back muscle tension and misaligned vertebrae.
   

• Blood circulation in the lower body weakens, possibly leading to varicose veins, cellulite, bloated feet and fatigue.

• Saddle Seating maintains the natural inward curvature of the spine to create the optimum balanced posture.
   

• The Beautelle Saddle Seat is designed to promote optimal seated posture. Sitting on a Saddle Seat properly positions and stabilises the pelvis automatically relieving stress on the lumbar discs and spine.
   

• The Saddle shaped seat gives maximum support and maintains your natural spine curve by keeping your pelvis rotated forwards and your back hollow and permits the pelvis to be held securely in its natural position so that, when leaning forward to work, the lean is from the hips and not the waist.
   

• With the Saddle Stool there is no need for lumbar support because the correct lumbar curve is maintained naturally rather than artificially.

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• Relaxes the body and minimises muscle tension
   

• Reduces lower back pain
   

• Relieves posture problems, for example slouching and rounding of the lower back
   

• Alleviates neck and shoulder pain and related headaches
   

• Promotes good arm-hand control
   

• Reduces work related upper limb disorders such as pain & aching in wrists, arms and shoulders associated with regional musculoskeletal disorder (R-MSD), cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) and repetitive stress injury (RSI)
   

• Decreases pain and fatigue associated with muscular tension
  Improves blood circulation and digestion
   

• Enhances muscle tone & strengthens abdominal muscles
   

• Provides for effortless mobility i.e. moving around and reaching
   

• Adapts to all types of work including standing height work

Question 5

Is the saddle style of seating easy to get used to?
 

Our Experts Answer...

• The Beautelle Saddle Seat is comfortable, and provides a wide range of adjustments to help the individual find the most natural, comfortable sitting position.
   

• A memory foam layer can be ordered to add extra comfort if seated for long periods of time. This temperature sensitive foam moulds to the user giving pressure-free support without detracting from the benefits of the shaped seat.
   

• Tight skirts are not possible due to the wide stance required.
   

• There is a short transition period while your body adjusts to a totally different way of sitting and the 'equestrian' style of posture. This may include some sore muscles for a few days.
   

• Users usually find that they are fully adapted to the Saddle within two weeks.
   

• Users tend to find posture problems are alleviated after only a few weeks of use.

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