Anatomy of the seated position: methodologic approach and initial findings

The aim of this research was an anatomic study of the seated position in order to reply, in particular, to various questions raised in certain industrial situations as to this position and the reciprocal adaptation of the human being and his seat. The methodology adopted was based on obtaining reference serial sections from an entire subject frozen in the seated position, as well as on computerised three-dimensional reconstruction. The difficulty of the undertaking led us to specify this methodology, which must be strictly adhered to. Different types of visualisation were then considered, showing the feasibility of the method, which can effectively respond to the demands of industrial situations by allowing the creation of a data bank, and also by opening up new perspectives in the field of anatomical teaching.