Technology Solutions > Seating and positioning > Gastrointestinal Problems (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

People who have gastrointestinal disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, have difficulty sitting in chairs for long periods of time. One of the contributing factors is the abdominal pressure that builds as a consequence of sitting with the hips at a 90º angle.

It was almost by accident that we discovered that the Steelcase LEAP chair was a great accommodation for some people who experience gastrointestinal issues. The key feature of the LEAP chair is its Natural Glide system. The Natural Glide system causes the seat pan to move forward when the chair back is reclined (to recline the back you just lean into it - there is no need to adjust levers). This enables the computer operator to reduce abdominal pressure while remaining seated (albeit in a semi-reclined state). When the abdominal pressure is relieved the operator can sit up and the seat pan glides back to its starting position.

By using this chair some people have been able to extend the amount of time they can sit at their desk.

  

Steelcase LEAP Chair

This chair has the Natural Glide system, making it easy to relieve abdominal pressure while sitting in your chair.

Another chair that allows for quick and easy postural adjustment is the SwingChair Pro by SwingChair. The back, seatpan and armrests of this chair move with with you as you adjust your position. The SwingChair Pro allows you to continuously vary your posture without having to make any adjustments to the chair.

  

SwingChair Pro

This is a self-adjusting chair making it very easy to reduce abdominal pressure just by leaning back.

For more details on chair anatomy and chair adjustments click here.