Habitual, perceived ideal and neutral sitting postures within an asymptomatic young adult population: muscle activity and sagittal spinal curvature

Background Sitting posture is a common aggravating factor for pain both at the cervical and lumbar spine regions, with extended periods of sitting associated with increased discomfort at the neck and upper and lower back. Sitting postures independently adopted by asymptomatic individuals in comparison to theorized ‘optimal’ sitting postures have not been fully evaluated (O’Sullivan et al., 2010). If a clinically significant imbalance exists between these postures, intervention may be required to optimize the postural habits of the general public.