Active seating, active sitting or unsupported sitting, puts the user in motion in a controlled manner. It eliminates static loading and can help nourish the spine.
Active seating can encourage better posture by activating and strengthening the tiny muscles in our back and core area. It can force the body to strengthen its weakest muscles in order to maintain balance. It can be used to improve focus and alertness by enhancing sensory awareness and simulating the vestibular sense.
Many children with low muscle tone and/or sensory processing disorders tend to move around frequently and sit poorly by placing their heads on the table or wrapping their feet around a chair leg. Providing opportunities for controlled movement such as sitting on a ball chair or seat cushion may actually help a child stay seated and attend to tasks longer.
