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A History of Seating in the Western World by Kim Gurr

“The study of history can sometimes fool us into the belief that societies progressively improve on what has come before, as our body of knowledge increases. It seems we do not march slowly forward to an ultimate solution in this regard, but rather we tend to reinvent and then forget.” Kim Gurr

“A History of Seating in the Western World” discusses seating beginning with ancient Egypt through the modern ergonomics professional. It is a research paper based on the Postgraduate Diploma in Ergonomics Research project performed by Kim Gurr under the supervision of Leon Straker, Physiotherapy, and Phillip Moore, Social Sciences, at the Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Western Australia. Unfortunately, Ms. Gurr died before finalizing her research.

Seating is Important for Ergonomics

Seating is an important issue for contemporary ergonomics. Its frequent use by humans and its association with musculoskeletal disorders are just some of the reasons for its importance.

Ancient History of Seating through the Modern History of Western Seating

To understand the place of seating in modern Western societies, it is useful to understand its history.

This paper presents an overview of the ancient history of seating and the modern history of Western seating with particular emphasis on the design influences over the past 5,000 year period.

Tips to Minimize Back Pain

“Low back pain is one of the most common reasons for lost work time and Workers’ Compensation claims,” (Chase, J.A., et al., 1991).

Low back pain is common among sitting individuals

In a study of the relationship between lordosis (the curve of the spine) and sitting, researchers (Keegan JJ) found the most important factor in low back pain with prolonged sitting to be decreased trunk-thigh angle with consequent flattening of the lumbar spine. The flattening of the lumbar curve happens when an individuals slouches or leans forward often while sitting on a flat seat surface.

PREGNANCY — Fertilization to Labor and Delivery

Changes during pregnancy, such as constipation, hemorrhoids, heartburn, pelvic pain, and back pain are discussed as well as what to expect when you go to the hospital for a vaginal delivery.

This document about Pregnancy and Labor and Delivery of a baby was written by Darren Salinger, M.D., OB/GYN with answers to questions frequently asked by patents during his more than 20 years of practice.

What to expect during Pregnancy

The changes that take place during the short span of human pregnancy are profound.

Many of these changes occur soon after fertilization and continue throughout the entire pregnancy. Most of these incredible adaptations are in response to the growing fetus and the hormonal changes the fetus produces in its mother.

Back Pain — Causes, Types, Categories, Risk Factors, Red Flags and Treatments

“The spine affects and is affected by every movement your body makes. The way you stand, the way you sit, the way you move, the way you pick up and carry objects — all these things have the potential to help or hurt your back.”
Mary Pullig-Schatz, M.D., Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, TN

Who is at risk for back pain?

Up to 75 percent of the population experience low back pain lasting more than one week at some point in their lives.

Back pain in people 18-24

In a one year period, the estimate of people with an episode of back pain is about 17 percent. Also the estimate of the people 18 to 24 years having back pain in a one year period is 13 percent.

“The prevalence of back pain in the youngest group studied (18-24 years old) was 13 percent for females and males.”