Neutral Posture

It is better ergonomically, to be able to maintain neutral postures, i.e. unflexed or unstressed postures.A comfortable, ergonomic chair should promote a neutral posture.

The neutral posture of the spine has two curves, which describe a elongated "S". This provides the best support structure for our upright postures when standing and sitting.But most chairs encourage us to push the pelvis back to gain support from the back of the seat; this flattens the lower spinal curve, causing stress.

Dr. Jerome Congleton, P.E., CPE, has investigated what features an ergonomic chair should have. He observed that astronauts' bodies at rest, in zero gravity, described a 130-degree angle between the chest and lap. Opening the angle between the chest and lap maintains the curve in the lower back, which is the neutral posture.

The solution is a chair that adjusts for a neutral posture. Most office workplaces cannot accommodate a 130-degree sitting posture, but with a good ergonomic chair a more neutral posture can be achieved. By raising the hips higher that the knees, and tilting the seat forward the angle between the chest and lap is increased, maintaining the neutral posture.Back angle, back height, and lumbar adjustments fine tune the support of the neutral posture.

For chairs with armrests, the arms should adjust in height and horizontal position. Adjustments should allow for relaxed shoulders, and the forearms should be at a 90-degree angle to the upper arm. Horizontal adjustments allow the arms the rest at your side, without lateral reaching.

   The Neutral Posture 8000 and Shark series both feature a wide range of adjustments and offer a variety of seat and back sizes to accommodate most individuals.

Neutral Posture 8600         Neutral Posture Shark

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A complete list of chairs offered by Neutral Posture can be found at: