The recently published

In the summer of 2007, H.A.M. Staarink’s book 'Zo zit het!' was published. This is the text that is on the back cover of this book.

The majority of people spend one third of their lives sitting down. Sitting properly is an art. The choice of a sound sitting posture is not as difficult and not as personal as one would think. In fact, the solution was recorded back in 1969 in the conference proceedings 'Sitting Posture'. But the explanation was missing until now. An improved definition of sitting posture and extensive research by the author mean that, now, results published nearly forty years ago can at last be understood and applied. It can all be found in 'Zo zit het!'

In the analysis of sitting, exertion and relaxation are the keywords. As soon as the opportunity arises, humans try to find a posture that demands the least possible energy. Activities demand the exact opposite, an active sitting posture and exertion. The posture that suits any particular activity depends, not only on the characteristics of the seat, but especially on the sitting behaviour: the consciousness of what is happening to the body and based on that, making the correct choices.

A sound sitting posture is an investment in the future and can prevent complications and physical complaints. The observations and conclusions described by the author in "Zo zit het!' have far reaching consequences for almost all kinds of seats, from desk chairs to airplane seats, but are especially important for people who design and manufacture wheelchairs and – last but definitely not least – for people who use wheelchairs and the (professional) attendants.

*) 'All there is to know about Sitting, sitting behaviour, seats and wheelchairs', a translation in English is in preparation