Most of our contemporaries who lead a sedentary lifestyle find it difficult to monitor their posture. Having relaxed and slouched while working on the computer, they forget that the correct position of the spine is the key to the health of the whole organism and the beauty of the body. Over the past decades, many techniques have been created for correcting posture and correcting spinal problems.
The kneeling chair is gaining more and more recognition as an elementary way to acquire impeccable posture. Its use is necessary for students and office employees - anyone whose work involves prolonged work in a sedentary position.
Purpose of an orthopedic chair
Kneeling chairs were first designed in European countries in the 70s of the twentieth century.
Schoolchildren rocking on chairs instinctively take free, relaxed poses, relieving the load from their backs. This is explained by the fact that sitting on an ordinary chair in a horizontal position creates an arbitrary desire for the pelvic region to deviate the lumbar region, forcing the body to slouch. The kneeling chair, due to the deviation of the body, forces the spine to be held vertically.
Knee orthopedic chairs are designed:
- to reduce the load on the back muscles;
- to redistribute body weight and pressure on the spine during prolonged sitting;
- to form the correct demeanor;
- to relieve fatigue, increase performance due to the position of the body in a natural position;
- to improve the functioning of the digestive system by eliminating compression of the abdominal cavity;
- to restore muscle blood supply;
- to free breathing due to the expansion of the lungs.
Such features allow the chair to be used not only by schoolchildren who have not yet fully developed supporting apparatus, but also by adults who spend several hours in a sitting position, for example, at a computer.
The property of normalizing the functions of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity makes it possible to use an orthopedic chair with emphasis on the knees for pregnant women. A chair with support is designed not only to correct posture, but to prevent disorders that occur in the spine due to incorrect postures.
The latest research by modern scientists has confirmed the preventive effect of a chair with support on the knees; orthopedists recommend it not only to patients with spinal diseases, but also to healthy people.
Operating rules
The main goal of orthopedic developments is the prevention and treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This chair was no exception.
The positive result after its use gives grounds for orthopedic doctors to recommend the knee chair to their patients.
An orthopedic knee chair is recommended both for healthy people who want to maintain their supporting apparatus into old age, and for patients with medical prescriptions.
Of course, it will not solve your problems, but if used correctly, it will greatly alleviate your posture problems.
In order for you to sit comfortably on such a chair, it is important to correctly adjust its height, namely the distance between the knee support and the seat itself.
Correct posture helps restore the natural curves of the spinal column in mild to moderate scoliosis, completely preventing its development in the future.
Also, do not forget to periodically get up from it and do a short walk, warm-up or physical exercise to improve blood flow in the lower extremities.
Kneeling chairs often take some getting used to. Start with 10-15 minutes a day, gradually increasing the time you sit on it. If you feel discomfort when sitting on this chair, and you can’t get used to it, give up this idea. Listen to your body.
Many owners of this wonderful invention recommend alternating its use with conventional orthopedic chairs so that the frequency of loads in the sitting position changes.
Principles of the impact of an orthopedic chair
In a traditional sitting position, the weight of the body puts pressure on the lower back, and to compensate for this you have to lean on your elbows. The use of an ergonomic orthopedic chair makes it possible to partially redistribute pressure from the lower spinal region towards the knees and hips.
Despite its unusual appearance, the chair is able to relieve the load on the lower spine, reduce compression of the blood vessels in this area, and equally distribute body weight over three support points.
It can be used for training and posture correction. With its help, a landing is formed that recreates the natural position of the back, reminiscent of it in a standing position.
This occurs due to an increase in the angle between the direction of the back and the line of the hips, which leads to a decrease in pressure on the intervertebral discs. As a result, the action of the spine is directed towards arching as opposed to compression and deformation. Shifting the orientation of the load to the center of the body favors the restoration of the normal curvature of the back.
With the help of a kneeling chair you can get:
- ensuring a straight back during landing;
- failure to control posture;
- straightened chest, freeing breathing;
- stopping compression of the abdominal cavity, improving digestion;
- reduced fatigue, increased performance due to natural body posture;
- restoration of muscle nutrition, improved blood supply to cartilage and bone structure due to equal distribution of pressure on the lumbar and pelvic area;
- formation of a natural posture for the back;
- reducing the load on the spinal discs.
Therapeutic effect
The knee orthopedic chair model allows you to adjust the seat height, adapting to everyone. With a correctly adjusted chair, the load is distributed approximately 60 to 40. Of this, 40 percent of the load goes to the knees and only 60 to the pelvis. This allows you to significantly relax your back muscles and take a comfortable position without tilting your body forward. Those. You will feel comfortable sitting on such a chair with a straight back.
A feature of the kneeling chair is the redirection of the load from the lower part of the spine to the muscles of the legs, while maintaining a vertical position of the back, the shoulders remain straightened.
Doctors and orthopedists advise purchasing such a chair for schoolchildren and students who have to spend a lot of time sitting in class.
Since its inception, when the chair had only a seat and a knee rest, its design has acquired many innovations.
Current models
The prototype of the first orthopedic chair was designed in 1970 by the Danish doctor Mendel, who was engaged in developments that could solve the problem of improper posture of schoolchildren at their desks. Children's bodies usually shifted forward. The doctor created a sketch with a seat angle of 15 degrees. The seats were not very comfortable: the children gradually slid forward.
After some time, the Norwegian designer Opsvik proposed another version of the orthopedic chair, to which they added a knee rest that prevented the seated person from sliding down. Evenly distributing the load between the knees and hips allowed the back to involuntarily straighten.
The kneeling chair was granted a patent in 1989 based on a design commissioned by airline ticket offices. This solved the problems of occupational illnesses of cashiers who were forced to stay in cramped spaces for long hours, without being able to warm up or change their position. In order to facilitate their work, a chair was designed that provides three different positions:
- regular sitting;
- half-standing position with fragmentary support to relieve the load on the legs;
- an inclined landing with support on the knees, called the Scandinavian landing, which relieves the back almost completely.
During the years of perestroika, such a chair began to be produced in our country, copying it from foreign models. However, it did not provide comfortable sitting due to the mistakes of the developers, who missed important nuances that create the opportunity for unloading.
Nowadays there are various samples of children's and adult chairs on sale. The support built into the chair makes it possible to relieve the load on the spine. The one who sits on it straightens his shoulders and chest. All products are equipped with soft support for the knee joints to prevent slipping down. Moving the center of gravity when sitting allows you to find your preferred position.
Kneeling chairs available for sale:
- on wheels;
- with back support;
- with a safe stand;
- with a curved base (like a rocking chair).
The choice is made taking into account individual requirements: height, body weight, personal comfort requirements.
The orthopedic knee chair for schoolchildren is actually considered a serious means of resisting scoliosis and poor posture, which is why it is necessary to consult a doctor before purchasing this device.
What types of kneeling chairs are there – types of models
All types of kneeling chairs can be divided into 2 large groups: dynamic and adjustable.
Dynamic
Products that combine a kneeling chair and a rocking chair are called dynamic. This design is an ideal choice for children who find it difficult to maintain the same body position for a long time.
The base in the form of an arc promotes free movement of the center of gravity, changing the angle of inclination, but at the same time keeps the back straight. If you bend forward, you can work at the table, but to read or watch TV, you should lean back.
The use of a dynamic model allows you to correctly load the spine, form a reliable muscle corset, and does not interfere with normal blood circulation throughout the body.
Soft cushions provide comfort to your knees.
Adjustable
Adjustable design fits desks of different heights. Depending on this parameter, you can independently select the desired position and fix it. The adjustment principle can occur stepwise or smoothly.
In the first case, there are several possible positions for fixation (at least 3).
The second option is based on the use of gas lift.
Advantages
According to doctors, the advantages of an orthopedic chair with emphasis on the knees are:
- in reducing pressure on the back muscles;
- in unloading the coccygeal, lumbar, sacral zones;
- in normalizing blood circulation in the thigh area;
- in exercising the body in physiologically impeccable contortion;
- in relieving excess pressure on the spine;
- in straightening the chest cavity, normalizing breathing;
- in admissibility of use for pregnant women;
- in the potential of performing procedures to prevent spinal curvature at home.
Children's knee chair reduces the risk of osteochondrosis, disc anomalies, and intervertebral hernias. The body assumes a natural, relaxed position that does not require excessive zeal from the muscles.
The importance and significance of the chair for schoolchildren cannot be overestimated, since it is at this age that postural disorders develop, the elimination and correction of which will require enormous effort and time.
How to choose a quality chair in a store
When purchasing a kneeling chair in a store, you should find out the following points:
- Is it possible to adjust the seat angle and adjust the distance to the knee pad?
- What is the base - rollers that increase the mobility of heavy weight products, an arc suitable for children, or regular legs?
- Does the manufacturer have quality certificates guaranteeing the safety of the materials used?
- What are the frame and upholstery made of? Metal lasts longer than wood, and jacquard and matting are more durable than leatherette.
- How long ago did the manufacturer enter the market, what do real customers say about its products?
Each kneeling chair comes with detailed instructions for use. It also usually indicates how to properly adjust the seat depending on the person’s build. It is important to take into account the maximum permissible values. The height range is quite wide: from 1.2 to 1.8 m.
You need to try the product in the store. In addition to correct body position, you should pay attention to the degree of comfort. When purchasing a chair equipped with a backrest, you need to find out whether it is possible to adjust its height and angle of inclination. By choosing the ideal model and knowing how to sit on a kneeling chair correctly, you can improve the condition of your spine in just 1 month.
Check the adjustability of the product
Find out the quality of manufacturing materials, study information about the manufacturer
Minuses
Using a kneeling chair is not suitable for everyone, and sometimes some inconveniences arise. Weaknesses are:
- the appearance of pain in the knee joints;
- sliding out of the seat;
- numbness of the feet;
- unregulated height level of the structure.
These imperfections are conditional, since most often they appear as a result of an incorrectly selected sample.
Features of the design of the kneeling chair
The design of the product has several features that distinguish it from conventional chairs.
- The seat is located at an angle of 15° to the horizontal plane.
- There are 1 or 2 soft supports for the knees.
- There are no armrests.
A product with a seat and knee rest is considered self-sufficient, as it is capable of creating an imitation of a standing position without requiring additional support.
Models are available that additionally have a small backrest. It is necessary because most people already have a decrease in muscle tone, and it is necessary to give the back a rest from time to time.
Chairs for schoolchildren
Many parents are concerned about the difficulties in forming impeccable posture for their child. It is impossible to teach children to sit quietly who are in constant motion, hurrying, fidgeting, and when they get tired, they simply sag.
Such parents leave excellent reviews about orthopedic chairs designed for schoolchildren. Preference is given to chairs without wheels, which straighten the back and allow children to swing on them without damaging the floor covering, which the children really like.
Orthopedic chairs with a balancing effect are appropriate not only for student age. It is the convenience and ability to swing that attracts adults with the possibility of peace, calm, and relaxation. Similar models can be used during pregnancy. The domestic industry produces several design options.
Decent reviews about the kneeling chair under the “Gorbunok” brand, which can withstand up to a hundredweight, suitable not only for schoolchildren, but also for adults. The model is conveniently adjustable, allows you to change the position in three different positions, and the height of the chair corresponds to any stereotypical desks.
Choosing between comfort and correct posture
Consumers often confuse the concepts of comfort and the orthopedic properties of a chair. In practice, it becomes clear that everything is just the opposite: a comfortable sitting position causes irreparable harm to the spine and spoils posture. That's why you can't opt for convenience.
It is also undesirable to choose furniture based on external features. Aesthetics is a very important component for preference, but for a chair, its orthopedic properties and maximum ease of use are considered important qualities.
Appearance and configuration should be considered last when choosing a kneeling chair intended to correct or prevent postural disorders or spinal diseases.
Manufacturing materials
In the production of chairs that provide an orthopedic effect, metal or wood is used.
The use of metal increases the reliability, stability, and service life of the product. This design has more possibilities for adjustment. The steel base is chromed, painted with special paint or coated with Teflon.
Wooden models are usually made from solid natural oak, beech or multi-layer plywood.
For home use, when choosing, preference is often given to products made of wood, as they fit into the interior more easily and are lighter in weight.
However, if you need a chair with maximum service life, you should buy a model with a steel frame.
Indications and restrictions
The use of a chair with support is indicated for people with disorders of the support system. It is appropriate to use it for spinal disorders:
- for osteochondrosis;
- for osteoarthritis;
- with instability of any part of the spine;
- with manifestations of inflammation in the back;
- when recovering from spinal fractures;
- to prevent the consequences of injuries;
- for scoliosis.
When planning to purchase an orthopedic knee chair, it is advisable to consult with a specialist who understands the problem, since its use is associated with maintaining health. Despite all the positive reviews and useful qualities, the device has limitations. It may be contraindicated in people:
- with congenital abnormalities of the spine;
- with back injuries;
- with extreme stage of spinal deformity;
- with osteochondropathy of the tibial tuberosity (Osgood-Schlatter), complicated by severe pain.
An unsuccessfully chosen design or its erroneous use can, instead of being beneficial, aggravate the problem - intensify the course of certain diseases.
Contraindications and precautions
Before purchasing a kneeling chair with or without a backrest, you should consult a doctor: therapist, rheumatologist, orthopedist, neurologist. The design can be used only if there are no contraindications. Otherwise, instead of the expected benefit, existing problems may worsen. It is unacceptable to replace a regular chair with a kneeling one:
- For congenital pathologies of the spine.
- Spinal column injuries of varying severity.
- Degenerative diseases of the hip bones.
- Osgood-Schlatter disease, which is characterized by severe pain.
- Third stage of scoliosis.
Review of Ikea ladder stool varieties, product functionality
It is also not recommended to sit on your knees if you have prepatellar bursitis and other inflammatory joint diseases. Physical discomfort while using the product indicates a problem. However, the matter may not only be in the general state of health, but also in the wrong approach to choosing a knee chair.
Congenital pathologies of the spine
Spinal column injury
Degenerative diseases of the hips
Osgood-Schlatter disease
Third stage of scoliosis
How to do it yourself
The specificity of the model is its elementary design. In fact, this is a device that has one seat plus two supports under the knees. Sometimes the support is made solid. However, the cost of a kneeling chair most often exceeds the prices of other models. The unpretentiousness of the mechanism allowed craftsmen to make a kneeling chair with their own hands. It turned out to be elementary.
To make the model, you need only three sets of bars: one back and two front to hold the main weight, as well as two in a horizontal position to support the knees. They can be fastened using sticks, for example, from a mop. Even for a homemade product, it is important not to miss the ability to adjust height and slope. This requirement can be realized using additional holes for securing horizontal bars. The location of these mounts depends on the person's height and weight.
The uprights of the chair are made from fragments of bars and fixed with metal holders. The top of the structure is covered with suitable overlays and covered with fabric. The most simple, cheap model of a chair with a support is ready.
Top 3 kneeling chairs with soft back in 2020
Thatsit Balances
The chair has standard dimensions: 49 × 91.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Tilt angle | 20 degrees |
| Seat/knee pad width | 50 cm |
| Manufacturer | Norway |
| Weight Limit | 100 kg |
| Upholstery | polyester |
| Adjustment | 3 positions |
| average price | 110334 rub. |
Thatsit Balans chair
Advantages:
- adjustable knee support;
- nice appearance;
- durability;
- no creaking;
- made from safe materials;
- dynamic landing;
- quickly adapts to the user's height.
Flaws:
- not detected.
The chair is very durable, with a metal frame.
Smarttool KM01B
The product dimensions are as follows: 68 x 50 x 23 (including box).
| Options | Characteristic |
| Tilt angle | 20 degrees |
| Seat/knee pad width | 60 cm |
| Manufacturer | Taiwan |
| Weight Limit | 100 kg |
| Upholstery | upholstery fabric |
| Adjustment | 3 positions |
| average price | 14500 rub. |
chair Smartstool KM01B
Advantages:
- ergonomic;
- attractive appearance;
- easy operation;
- inexpensive;
- easy.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Durable, powder-coated steel frame with locking fit.
SpinalAssist
The dimensions of the product are impressive and amount to 80 x 150 x 130
| Options | Characteristic |
| Tilt angle | 20 degrees |
| Seat/knee pad width | 60cm/50cm |
| Manufacturer | Russia |
| Weight Limit | 100 kg |
| Upholstery | artificial leather/real leather |
| Adjustment | 30 positions |
| average price | 65900 rub. |
SpinalAssist chair
Advantages:
- folds out to a horizontal position;
- lie comfortably;
- nice appearance;
- various variations of possible poses that the chair allows you to make;
- seat depth adjustment.
Flaws:
- high price.
The model is universal, so it will become an indispensable assistant in your work.
Since most kneeling chairs are made to keep the back muscles tense, there are very few models with backs. However, it is certainly convenient when you can lean back and relax during the workday, and then continue working again. That is why we decided to add several models with soft backs to the rating.
Schematic illustration
The modern kneeling chair is called a smart chair. They are now made in different countries - elementary devices made of wood, as well as ingenious adjustable designs. On the Internet you can find drawings of a kneeling chair with your own hands.
Craftsmen willingly exchange photo and video materials with diagrams and drawings on numerous platforms, and give recommendations for assembly. The drawing of a kneeling chair with dimensions indicates only the shape and size, and you have to select the materials yourself. It depends on the purpose of the sample.
The simplest analogue of a smart chair for beginners is a kneeling stool, which is not inferior in orthopedic qualities to industrial designs. Much more difficult to manufacture is a kneeling chair with a rounded support (rocking chair), which is most preferred by children. To alternate work with rest, more complex devices have been developed, equipped with two positions - standard working and reclining for relaxation.
It is possible to upgrade the chair into a mobile version by attaching wheels to the base. It is important to equip the smart chair with soft knee support. An excessively hard seat and support will not only be uncomfortable, but will also lead to worsening illnesses.
Rating of the best models with a soft seat
US MEDICA Zero Mini
A convenient option that ensures beautiful and even posture throughout the entire period of use. Made from high quality wood, which increases reliability and durability. The soft seat and knee pads provide comfort. For convenient transportation there are convenient wheels that have a rubberized coating.
The average cost is 13,050 rubles.
US MEDICA Zero Mini
Advantages:
- Convenience;
- The assembly is done with high quality;
- Made from hard rock;
- Value for money and durability;
- Suitable for office and home.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Balancing knee chair Little Humpbacked Horse
A reliable model that is suitable for children and teenagers. Thanks to this option, your posture is maintained both when working at the computer and when reading books. The seat width is 57 cm, which is an additional advantage.
There are three positions for adjusting the knee pads. The device can withstand loads of up to 100 kg. The product comes with a 5-year warranty. To produce the chair, high quality plywood is used.
The average price is 5,990 rubles.
Balancing knee chair Little Humpbacked Horse
Advantages:
- Light weight – 4.5 kg;
- Convenience;
- Adjustable knee pads;
- Value for money;
- Strength.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Silver Fox Royal bearing prestige
Convenient design, which is suitable for people who often spend time at the table. The outer part is made of durable materials that can withstand loads of up to 110 kg. For greater convenience, there is a convenient adjustment that allows you to adapt to any height and height of a person.
The average cost is 9,900 rubles.
Silver Fox Royal bearing prestige
Advantages:
- Made of durable material;
- Long service life;
- Soft seat;
- Height adjustment.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Industrial structures
The first company to develop and produce kneeling chairs in our country is Smartchair. The professionals working in it have studied many models in recent years. In consultation with orthopedic specialists, they regularly adjust product designs.
You can find products from Chinese, Russian and European manufacturers on sale. Their cost is determined by many factors - from the brand to the availability of accessories. Domestic chairs (for example, “Olympus”) are no worse than foreign ones, but they differ in price. Customer reviews are quite positive.
When choosing an orthopedic chair, you should ask about its characteristics. It is important to carry out individual selection, taking into account the height, age, build of the user, and the height of the desktop. It's easy to test ease of use. To do this, you need to sit on the seat, tuck your forearm and tilt your arm away from you by 0.15 m. The distance from the elbow to the floor will show the level of the table.
During the purchasing process, you should focus on whether the device has:
- a synchronous mechanism that allows the backrest and seat to automatically follow the movements of the seated person;
- backrest adjustment;
- negative seat angle;
- armrests;
- back height adjustment.
Rating of the best models with easy adjustment
Smarttool KM01
A beautiful and reliable option that is suitable for every person. It is made of durable metal, which is coated with Teflon, which gives additional protective properties. The seat is filled with durable and soft material that retains its shape for a long time.
The average cost is 12,160 rubles.
Smarttool KM01
Advantages:
- Strength;
- Convenient use;
- Adjustable in 5 seconds;
- Suitable for children;
- Maintaining posture.
Flaws:
- Not found.
OLYMP SK-1-2G
A popular model that has an affordable price and a simple adjustment system. The device can withstand a load of up to 120 kg, which makes it durable not only for children, but also for adults. The gas lift makes it possible to select the required height in a few seconds. When landing, there is a pleasant and soft shock absorption.
The average price is 7,500 rubles.
OLYMP SK-1-2G
Advantages:
- Adjustment in a couple of seconds;
- Universal application;
- High service life;
- Reliability;
- Persistence.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Reviews from orthopedists
The mesh back is no worse than a regular one, you can take a closer look at the model with it, and in the summer it even has superiority. The headrest has no meaning; it is used to demonstrate status. The chairs use modern high-strength plastic, this helps reduce the weight of the chair, but does not make it less durable. You need to pay attention to the upholstery, it should be indelible and durable. The warranty on the kneeling chair should be 5 years.
People speak differently about a chair with support on the knees, but most are unanimous in the opinion that it is impossible to sit slouched on it - the design of the chair will not allow it. For maximum comfort, the device must be selected taking into account the height and build of the user. Proper use will help prevent and compensate for stoop, back diseases associated with posture and even individual internal organs. A good chair for both children and adults.
What to look for when purchasing
An orthopedic product must be selected individually, since only this approach will ensure the effectiveness of its use.
Reference . But even the most ergonomic chair is not able to free the user from regular warm-ups, which must be performed at least once an hour.
To purchase a comfortable chair for your spine and avoid some unpleasant nuances when using it, you should pay attention to the following things:
- The material of construction is that steel will be more reliable than wood.
- The presence of a mechanism that allows you to adjust the angle of the seat and its height in relation to the knee rests.
- Mobility - some models are equipped with wheels, which makes it easy to move the structure around the room if necessary.
- When choosing a device, you need to take into account the height of the table at which you will be working.
- The material of the soft parts of the structure (seat, knee rest, backrest) is made of different materials: leatherette and upholstery fabric. In this case, upholstery fabric will be preferable because it will last longer.
The chair is selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of the individual’s body. Simultaneous use of one model by people with different builds is impossible.
Important! When purchasing, it is recommended to sit on a chair, thus checking its comfort and the ability to ensure correct body position.
Below is a table that schematically shows the models of the orthopedic product, brief characteristics and features of the use of each of them.
