The unstable TRANSITIONAL MODE. It’s importance.

This is not just a quick transition from the reclined to the upright modes (2T) but provides physiological benefits and is itself a mode.  The concept is renamed the Tr-Modal (3M).  2T = 3M.

Screen Shot 2018-10-22 at 13.43.40

Screen Shot 2015-10-07 at 13.43.222Tilt Principle 3  Requirement 9.. The adverse intermediate upright positions should be unstable.  This allows an easy and rapid transition from one mode to the other and no adjustment is allowed to maintain an intermediate position

This may seem counter-intuitive.  Why shouldn’t the user be able to sit easily in any position that seems comfortable?   It worries chair designers dreadfully although they may not be bothered by the ‘dynamic seating’ concept..

Why not?

  •   It is, equivalent to the mid upright position of most office chairs, carrying an ergonomic penalty.
    A user, used to a mid-upright chair,  could use an adjustment to maintain this position for long periods which would add an unnecessary adverse effect to an otherwise optimal system.
  • The intermediate positions being unstable require muscular effort to be sustained.   On moving back a few degrees from the stable forward upright mode the occupant enters this upright unstable position which provides proprioceptive feedback and frequent small amplitude pressure changes.
  • A user has a choice and may find a short episode of this low amplitude exercise pleasant.  Longer periods are liable to be tiring.
  • There is also an added advantage  in providing therapeutic exercise following an acute LBP episode with it’s resultant muscle and reflex atrophy. (See ☛Anatomy/muscles).
  • Addition of a sit/stand mode in the 3M version allows the user to walk around.  ☛ SIT/STAND (& stools)→
  • Why add to extra cost?Screen Shot 2018-11-24 at 17.51.31
  • Spinal movement & change of position are important for a number of reasons including IV disc nutrition. ☛  Movement & exercise→
  • Dynamic Seating’.Recently there has been interest in continuous small amplitude movement for upright chairs, the chair re-aligning with the users centre of gravity.  ☛  Movement & exercise→
  • 2T exercise and movement systems   ☛  Movement & exercise→
  • Sit/Stand. Bio-mechanically superior to the use of existing upright chairs and can be an adjunct to the 2T system which then becomes a ☛ 4M work-station→ concept (and a ‘full’ solution).☛ SIT/STAND (& stools)→

A specific illustration

AltmarkThe ALTMARK Chair has both a reclined and upright mode which makes it interesting and ahead of the market.   The webpage shows a fixed intermediate  position in both the reclined and semi upright modes.    At best it gives no biomechanic advantage and was probably intended to add comfort → .   Misled by ” that treacherous guide  which only turns up truthfully when the ergonomics are fully correct”.   If this mode becomes a part of the unstable intermediate mode it allows a faster transition and also gives the user the choice for dynamic motion and rehabilitation.  A win-win.   Scrapping a fixed intermediate mode reduces manufacturing costs. A win-win-win!

Return to  ☛ 2T CONCEPT a full solution →    or

Next ☛ 2T CONSIDERATIONS →