Ergonomic Benefits of a Sit/Stand Stool

Reduces Strain on Knees Using the sit/stand stool in the leaning mode can result in a significant reduction in the stress on the knee joints as little effort is required to transition between leaning and standing fully upright. This transition between stances requires noticeably less effort than rising from a traditional chair.

Reduces Risk of Lower Limb Circulation Problems Static standing has been identified as a contributing factor in the development of edema(swelling of the lower legs). When the muscles of the lower legs are not being flexed their ability to pump blood and fluids through the circulatory system is restricted. Leaning or sitting on the stool frees the user to flex the muscles of the lower legs and, by doing so, to encourage better circulation in the lower legs.

Helps to Improve the Health of the Body's Systems The conventional seated position (i.e. 90º bend) restricts both blood and fluid flows through the internal organs. A leaning position such as the ergonomic stools offer can be of benefit to the digestive and cardiovascular systems. The more upright stance reduces potential constrictions in the digestive tract and, by opening up the core and allowing the diaphragm to move more freely, can significantly increase cardiovascular activity.

Increases Mental Alertness The open core stance provided by the stools combined with the ability to flex the leg muscles, naturally increases cardiovascular activity. The increased activity facilitates more effective oxygenation of the brain and thereby contributes to a greater degree of mental alertness.

Reduces Risk of Lower Back Pain Standing with the feet flat for extended periods of time (such as at a standing desk or counter) requires the muscles of the lower back to remain in a state of constant tension (even more so if the abdominal muscles are weak.) As the muscles tire, the back tends to curve or arch, which can often lead to an unnatural and unhealthy degree of lordosis (sometimes referred to as "swayback"). Since some degree of unnatural curvature is already common to many back problems, a standing workstation has the potential to increase, rather than decrease, pain and fatigue. By employing a leaning stool will tilt the pelvis slightly forward, users allow the spine to return to the natural, gently curved S-shape that provides the greatest strength, stability and support for the entire body. The unnatural, extreme curvature is eliminated, and the overworked muscles of the back are able to relax and recover.

Encourages Core Muscle Maintenance Traditional seating permits the core muscles to fully relax and become lazy. The semi-standing or leaning stance promoted by the stools allow users to flex and relax the muscles of the back and core as they keep the torso stabilized during the work session. This helps to maintain muscle tone in those muscle groups without overtiring them.

Increases Movement for Better Health As users can move much more easily between the seated resting position and a fully standing position they will tend to exhibit a greater degree of movement and mobility throughout the day, potentially reducing some of the risk associated with extended sitting.

Extends Range of Movement of the User Working from a semi-standing position offers users a noticeable increase in range of motion and reach compared to conventional chairs or stools. This extends the Comfort Zone and allows access to a larger area of the work surface, while at the same time reducing the risk of overextension.