Unit 1: Sitting and Seating

Question 1

Describe the evolution of behaviour as it pertains to sitting

Answer 1

• think of the past farmers, hunters, etc.
• think of why they sat and how they sat
• we have gone from a being that sits in between activity to being active in between sitting

Question 2

out of 24 hours, we spend _ sleeping and _ awake

Answer 2

8 hours sleeping, 16 hours awake

Question 3

In the harvard medical school study, based on a week’s worth of data, the average participant spent how much time sitting?

Answer 3

10.4 hours

Question 4

In the harvard medical school study, based on a week’s worth of data, the average participant spent how much time sleeping, standing, doing light physical activity, doing mod-vig physical activity?

Answer 4

7.7 hours sleeping
3.1 hours standing
1.5 hours doing light physical activity
1.3 hours doing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity

Question 5

In the figure shown in class, C resembled

Answer 5

spinal resting position (neutral)

Question 6

describe the components of improving workspace and chair ergonomics

Answer 6

• support the natural curve of your spine “S” shape
• chair height for feet to rest flat on floor
• thighs should be parallel to the floor to reduce pressure and promote circulation
• avoid crossing legs
• top of monitor at eye height (use a monitor stand)

Question 7

Describe the components of improving seating and sitting

Answer 7

Keegan and Radke’s (1964) data suggests that a sitting posture which produces the nearest to ‘normal’ lumbar shape is:
- trunk-thigh angle is ~115 degrees
- lumbar of the spine is supported
- humans are not meant to be sitting for long periods

Question 8

describe the class activity on the human factors in driving

Answer 8

described environment/road, machine/car and human/driver interaction
ex. weather on tire tread, volume of cars on driving ability