The Covid 19 situation has brought the world to a halt.
Yet, people have found ways to carry on with their jobs.
Yes, by Working From Home.
60% of US workers have invested in standing desks, while some prefer kneeling chairs.
Let’s find out why and what makes the kneeling chair and the standing desk a hit among workers.
Contents
What is a kneeling chair?
It is a type of specialized chair designed by Hans Christian Mengshoel in the year 1979. This is best confirmed for small tasks. For example, writing, sewing, etc. When sitting in this chair, the thighs drop to a 60⁰ to 70⁰ angle. Therefore, half the body weight is supported by the knees.
Note: Avoid using a kneeling chair for long hours if you are tall or your weight exceeds 250 lbs. Because it reduces blood circulation to the legs and puts pressure on the knee cap, while working, try switching between a kneeling chair and an office chair.
Benifits of Kneeling Chair
Did you know?
Initially, a kneeling chair was built for computer use and was called a computer chair.
Let’s get to know the purpose for which this chair was designed.
In short, pros of a kneeling chair.
Herniated Disc
It’s difficult to spend long hours working with lower back disc pain. According to a Journal, kneeling chairs provide little relief as compared to regular chairs. Moreover, there is little evidence that these chairs are superior to standard chairs and, more than usual, help with herniated discs.
A kneeling chair has padded, mildly angled knee rests, which minimize spinal pressure. The study states that it provides relief to herniated disc patients and those suffering from thoracic herniation.
Hip Pain
Do you find yourself constantly kneading your hips? Or sitting for long hours tightened your hip flexors?
If YES,
You must have noticed short spasms of hip pain or low back stiffness. Chiropractors say that patients are said to have found relief from hip pain using a kneeling chair.
Do you sit in a tilted position at the desk?
If yes, avoid it. This way, you are unknowingly straining your hip flexors and hip area cartilage.
These chairs force your lower back to arch by shifting the pelvis. Thus, giving relief and reducing the pain.
Strengthen Core Muscles
Kneeling chairs are available with or without backrests. It depends on your comfort whether you need a backrest or not. While sitting, support is provided by the back and core muscles. Yes, the back is also a part of your core.
Thereby, use a kneeling chair to strengthen your core muscles.
Posture
Kneeling chairs are available with ridiculous custom modifications like height adjustment as well as angle adjustments. As mentioned earlier, some models offer a backrest while some don’t.
Adjustability is the key to a correct sitting posture in a kneeling chair.
Research says that kneeling chairs correct both upper and lower body posture. This is done by aligning the sacral slope, which reduces lumbar lordosis. Similarly, it is also effective in CLBP( Chronic Low Back Pain) patients.
Note: This is only true if you don’t slouch and use the proper chair adjustments.
If you are a taller person, a kneeling chair is not for you. Even with adjustment, this chair doesn’t always provide comfort due to the gap between the seat and knee pads.
Sciatica
Pinched low back nerves cause sciatica along the spine. These pinched nerve spasms are agonizing, thereby causing discomfort.
According to Harvard University Medical school, 40% of people suffer from sciatica in their life. People who are obese, smoke, or have a sedentary lifestyle are more prone to sciatica.
Since kneeling chairs are alternatives for regular chairs, they help remove pressure from the lower back and buttock. Therefore, it also provides relief from sciatica.
Pregnancy Fatigue
Renowned midwife and researcher Jean Sutton suggest that the variable balans kneeling rocking chairs are beneficial during the last weeks of pregnancy. It removes fatigue and encourages babies’ movements (if the baby is frequently in a posterior position).
Drawbacks of Kneeling Chairs
Here are some of the following drawbacks of a Kneeling chair you need to know before buying them.
Restricted Movement
As mentioned earlier, kneeling chairs make it difficult to move around quickly. Because they force your legs to stay in the kneeling form constantly, this adds stress and causes flexion of the shins. In contrast to a standing desk, a kneeling chair provides little to negligible movement.
Circulation
Additionally, with restricted leg movements, blood circulation decreases. Therefore, a kneeling chair reduces blood flow to all parts of the legs below the shin.
Note: Sitting on a kneeling chair for long periods can lead to spider veins.
Knee Pain
Although some kneeling chairs offer knee rest adjustments, it is inevitable to stay away from knee pain. There is bound to be slight pressure on your shins.
No Ease of Access
Since movement is hindered, easily accessing the chair becomes a task. Therefore, when it comes to ease of access, a kneeling chair is a NO-NO.
Cost
The selling price of kneeling chairs ranges from $79 (Boss B248 KnelingChair)-$799 (Varier Thatsit™ Balans® Kneeling Chair). An average kneeling chair with good ergonomic features will cost you around $250, which is relatively high. Thus, causing hesitation among the buyers.
However, you might not have a lot of ergonomics features in a cheap kneeling chair as well. So, always opt for a kneeling chair that meets your needs irrespective of the price tag.
What Is a Standing Desk?
This is also known as stand-up desks. It means what the name says, a desk where you stand.
There are different types of standing desks to fit your comfort. They are
- treadmill standing desk,
- fixed height standing desk,
- electric standing desk
- sit and stand desk.
A person spends most of his time sitting. It could be either driving, working, or being a couch potato. Similarly, an average US office worker spends an unhealthy 8-9 hrs/day sitting.
This is where standing desks help. Instead of sitting throughout the day, you can now transfer from an office chair to a standing desk.
Let’s check out the pros of a standing desk.
Benifits of Standing Desk
Standing desks have the following health benefits.
Reduces Blood Sugar Level
Are you a diabetic patient?
If yes then, a standing desk will aid in controlling your blood sugar level.
Don’t believe me?
Here’s what research says, according to a survey conducted on office workers, which showed that standing after a lunch break lowers sugar levels by 11% to 43% on average.
Aids in Weight Loss
Did you know, while you’re standing at your desk working, you’re burning calories?
YES
Small daily activities like standing, walking, and basically, any small actions help in burning calories. This takes place through Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT)
Sedentary lifestyles lead to significantly less energy expenditure. Therefore, a standing desk burn calories which in turn leads to weight loss.
Calories Burned for An Average Height Female (5′ 5″)
| Weight | Only Sitting | Sitting & Standing | Extra Calories Burned |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb. | 439 | 668 | 229 |
| 140 lb. | 499 | 761 | 262 |
| 180 lb. | 560 | 854 | 294 |
| 220 lb. | 621 | 947 | 326 |
| 260 lb. | 682 | 1040 | 358 |
Source: https://www.startstanding.org/
Calories Burned for an Average Height Male (5′ 10″)
| Weight | Only Sitting | Sitting & Standing | Extra Calories Burned |
|---|---|---|---|
| 140 lb. | 568 | 865 | 297 |
| 180 lb. | 655 | 998 | 343 |
| 220 lb. | 742 | 1,131 | 389 |
| 260 lb. | 829 | 1,264 | 435 |
| 300 lb. | 917 | 1,397 | 480 |
Source: https://www.startstanding.org/
Reduces Back Pain
A standing desk keeps lower back pain at bay. However, make sure you don’t end up standing for long hours.
Every 30 minutes or when your feet tire, grab your old office chair to sit.
Note: Make sure your shoes fit perfectly. If not, then invest in a good and comfortable pair of footwear. It makes working at a standing desk enjoyable.
Fatigue
It is reported that working at a standing desk lowers fatigue and stress. Standing desks can help you be more energetic and mindful during the day.
Note: Make stretching a practice. Plus, sit and take short breaks and go for a walk.
Posture
What can you do to stand comfortably and correctly at a standing desk?
Here is a short video:
Drawbacks of Standing Desks
There aren’t many cons of standing desks, just a few listed below.
Varicose Veins
Do you own a standing desk?
So, you end up spending long hours standing?
Here’s what you do.
Grab a seat when the legs ache. If not, the pressure from standing for long hours will block the blood flow in the veins, therefore, giving rise to varicose veins.
Leg Pain
Avoid standing for long hours near your desk. You will end up putting stress and pressure on your legs and feet. Therefore, leading to leg pain and swelling.
Lastly, shifting from one foot to another will affect your posture. So place your feet firm and flat on the ground while standing.
Do Chiropractors Recommend Standing Desk?
Chiropractors and physiotherapists say that standing desks are the next big thing.
The National Centre for Disease Control (India) survey says that working on a standing desk eliminates 54% of neck and upper back pain. Plus, it increases productivity.
Standing desks have become a novelty in offices and also working from home. Likewise, they are also used in schools to keep the students productive and engaged in-class lessons.
According to the learning counsel, standing desks offer great benefits for children with ADD and ADHD. By doing so, the child stays active and improves their concentration.
Take away
Both kneeling chairs and standing desks are effective for health ailments.
However, they are meant for short-term tasks. Anything in excess can be lethal. Similarly, standing for too long at the desk or persistently sitting on the kneeler can adversely affect your legs and back.
You can use either of these, but make sure you take breaks or change the sitting position. Cheers
