A movement specialist has found that sitting in the perfect size
chair can provide major health benefits and physiological
improvements.
LEEDS,
England, Sept. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- An
independent study, carried out by the University of Leeds on behalf of HSL Chairs, has
revealed that sitting in the correct size chair can reduce blood
pressure by 10% and heart rate by 6% as well as increase tissue
oxygenation by more than 2%.
The research also highlights that the right fitting chair
reduces fidgeting, which contributes towards maintaining a good
posture, limiting common aches and pains.
Conducted by Dr Andrea Utley,
from the University's School of Biomedical Sciences, 24
participants, aged between 32 and 72, took part in the
study.
The participants each spent equal amounts of time, approximately
15 minutes, sitting in three different sizes of HSL's Burrows Relax
chair. Several important factors were reviewed in the study
including seat height, depth and width, as well as support provided
for the neck, back and hip.
Dr Andrea Utley says: "Sitting in
a chair that is an appropriate size for an individual has a number
of benefits. Sitting itself involves physical effort and if the
chair is the right size the physical effort is reduced. This
results in a number of physiological benefits and ultimately a
restful sit and reduction in fatigue.
"Across all measures, both physiological and biochemical,
sitting in the right size chair produced more efficient and health
enhancing results. Of those tested, blood pressure was lower
as was heart rate, and oxygen saturation was better, plus
participants made less postural adjustments."
A family run business that has handcrafted 'feel good furniture'
for more than 55 years, HSL Chairs has worked with independent
occupational therapist, Julie
Jennings, to develop its Exclusive Chair Fitting service,
which aims to find the correct size chair for every customer,
ensuring their neck, back and hips are properly supported.
Julie adds: "I oversee the design and approve all chairs, making
sure they are good for posture. Well aware that no
one-size-fits-all and having helped develop and launch the
personalised service that allows customers to find the perfect fit,
whether an armchair or recliner, HSL Chairs offers a variety of
different sizes and features, ensuring every part of your body is
fully supported."
"The Burrows Relax chair, as used in Dr Andrea Utley's research, helps keep your head in
a neutral and stationary position, putting an end to any tilting
and avoiding muscle strain in the neck as well as tension in the
shoulders. Back support is both cushioning and supportive,
following the natural curvature of the spine to prevent slouching,
and to support the hips, bottoms should fit snugly into the base of
the chair whilst knees should be aligned with hips, reducing
pressure in the lumbar region and lower body."
According to the NHS, many older people (aged 65 and over) are
known to spend nine hours or more each day sitting. Dr
Andrea Utley concludes: "With so
many older people experiencing aches and pains, as well as poor
posture, the right style and perfect size chair as recommended by
HSL is a valid approach, and as this research has shown, not only
do you sit more comfortably when in the appropriate chair, but you
also benefit from improved health too."
With over 50 showrooms across the UK, HSL's team of Comfort
Specialists will share its top tips and help you find the perfect
fit chair. And with a Home Visit service too, that very same
team will bring a selection of occupational therapist approved
chairs to you to try.
Tested. Trusted. Recommended. HSL Chairs is a family run
Yorkshire-based business with a
strong heritage and highly regarded reputation. HSL Chairs has done
the research. Combining brilliant design, quality British
craftsmanship and comfort, they are fast becoming the leading
recliner and riser recliner brand in the UK. Visit
www.hslchairs.com.
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-YJeD1RWfM
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