Originally developed by Karo in 1986, the
WELLBACK Kneeling Chair design was based on sound ergonomic principles.
Now with SUPERIOR moulded foam pads for greater comfort!
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- Reduced lower back pain
- Improved posture
- Improved digestion and breathing
- Reduced muscle tension
- Improved concentration
- Increased Core Strength
By opening the pelvis and lowering the knees in relation to the hips to create a 110 degree trunk-thigh angle, the disc pressure in the lumbar region of the spine is reduced by up to 35% when compared to sitting in the traditional 90 degree trunk-thigh angle position. This means the weight and compressive force of the upper body is distributed through the seat and the legs and reduces muscular strain normally required to maintain the body in an upright position. Further, by reducing the pressure in the lumbar discs, the blood flow to these discs is improved which promotes healthier intervertebral discs.
WELLBACK Kneeling chair creates an open hip angle of 110 degrees
Comfort
Despite the name, the knees do not bear all the weight when sitting in a kneeling chair. The primary function of the knee-pad is to prevent the user from sliding off the forward sloping seat. In the case of the Wellback chairs, only approximately 20% of the body weight is supported by the shins, and not the knees. As a result the WELLBACK kneeling chair provides comfortable seating, while maintaining correct posture and spinal alignment.
Pregnant women often find the WELLBACK chair to be extremely comfortable as the open pelvic position significantly reduces the pressure on the womb, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.
Improved posture
Poor posture is often caused by working environments that do not support proper spinal alignment, or do not fit the individual's needs. This in turn leads to back pain which further discourages good posture and makes the idea of sitting comfortably unbearable for many people. The forward sloping seat of the WELLBACK chair allows the angle between the trunk and thighs to be increased to ensure proper spinal alignment with minimal pressure on the lumbar intervertebral discs. This greatly reduces back pain associated with sitting while simultaneously maintaining correct posture.
Improved internal organs activity
Opening the pelvis not only enables correct spinal alignment and posture when sitting, it also improves breathing, circulation and digestion. By re-positioning the shoulders and pulling the chest up and out, proper diaphragm breathing is encouraged and less pressure is put on the heart resulting in better blood circulation. Furthermore, digestion is improved as the internal organs of the abdomen experience less compressive pressure when the pelvis is in this open position.
Improved Concentration and Performance
It is generally acknowledged that a poor seated posture can lead to fatigue, loss of productivity, headaches, aggravation of existing injuries and back problems. By improving posture, spinal alignment and maintaining comfort, kneeling chairs encourage concentration and performance throughout the working day.
Increased core strength
Continued use of kneeling chairs increases muscle strength in the abdominals and back. The use of these muscles is engaged when sitting in a kneeling chair as there is no backrest, as evidenced in third world countries where many people, who do not use chairs, have retained the ability to sit upright without back support. These internal muscles of the pelvis and torso can be effectively toned by sitting on a WELLBACK chair.
Suitability
- The low cross bar connecting the seat and knee-pad makes it easy to get into and out of the chair.
- Initially, back muscles may become tired as they adjust to the new posture and absence of a backrest. As such, we recommend gradually building up the time spent in the kneeling chair starting with 20-30 minute periods.
- The Wellback is not designed for users with a mass in excess of 110kg.
- Kneeling chairs are not recommended for people with a history of poor circulation in the legs, or knee problems.
