Ergonomics - the body's requirements

Dynamic, mobile sitting is the best strategy to adopt for the purpose of supplying the vertebral discs with nutrition despite the stress they are subjected to as a result of the adopted posture. There is no such thing as a sitting posture that is right all of the time.

Only by regularly altering one's sitting posture is it possible to reduce the stress on the vertebral discs; this also serves to promote the blood circulation, stimulate the metabolism, support breathing, and, as a result, it improves the efficiency of our activities. It is to this end that Haworth has developed its two-point and three-point synchronous mechanisms. This chair construction supports dynamic sitting, since it optimises the body posture in all positions, and also ensures the ideal weight distribution.

The ideal sitting position is achieved by maintaining the double-S form of the spine. Tilting the pelvis forward additionally favours this posture. The ribcage is raised as a result, which in turn eases breathing. The vertebrae of the neck are stretched, giving the head - which represents around 9% of the body's total weight - better support. This reduces tension in the neck muscles. This is optimised in the case of Haworth chairs by the addition of active lumbar support.

Irrespective of the quality of a person's seating, what his body needs is a variety of movement. The workplace is optimally designed when not everything is within easy reach from a seated position. This turns simple activities like walking to the photocopier or reaching out to take a book from a shelf into welcome variations.

It is also important to ensure a sufficient air supply. A walk during the lunch break is the perfect activity. If you then ensure that you receive sufficient regular activity in your leisure time, you will be giving your body the support that it needs to best withstand its daily stress at the desk.