How Kneeling Chairs Evolved?

The history of kneeling chairs can be traced back to the 1970s in Norway. An important name associated with the origin of kneeling chairs is that of Mr. Christian Mengshoel. The concept or the basic idea to enhance comfort while sitting was present even before his days. Tibetan monks were considered to use the seiza bunch for maintaining the kneeling-like position as it was found to enhance comfort while sitting. They used this mainly during meditation.

The advantages associated with this were reported later by Mr. A.C Mandal, a Danish surgeon. The possibility of reducing back pain considerably was found to be one of the main advantages of maintaining the leaning position while sitting. After considering the advantages associated with them for some time, he reported that for tilting the pelvis effectively, the chair seat should have a forward slope. Another advantage was found to be allowing natural spine curvature. This was found to ensure the most perfect sitting position.

Another important name to be mentioned when talking about the history of kneeling chairs is Mr. Mandal. He had used the concept of the ability of the correct angle between the thighs and trunk to reduce the spine pressure considerably, provided the angle is 110 or greater. The pressure was found to reduce by thirty-five percent. He utilised this principle correctly to develop a practical and comfortable chair for supporting the correct posture. The contributors to this concept are many and include Svein Gusrud, Oddvin Rykken, Peter Opsvik and Peter Gillings Junior. Since that time the concept of kneeling chairs have gained increased popularity and as a result people started studying this subject more and the effect is obvious. Presently there are large varieties of kneeling chairs available in the market, providing an opportunity to select the most appropriate one.

Now let us have a look at some of the sitting arrangement that were popular during the earlier times as they can be considered as pioneer attempts to develop kneeling chairs.

• Buzzi 1970: These were used as sitting furniture in Rome during the later months of 1970 and were also patented in the same place.
• Vowles: The designing of this chair was carried out in such a way that the possible posterior body pressure while sitting could be reduced thereby benefitting the user to relax in this chair. This was made possible by transferring a large amount of the weight towards knees.
• Gilings Junior: These knee chairs was designed by Mr. Peter Giliings Junior and were established during the earlier years of 1970s.
• Opsvik: These chairs can be considered as balance chairs and were established in Norway.