TOKYO: Toyota is known as a car maker - and a very successful one at that.
It has now ventured into health-enhancing furniture with the development of a chair that promises to exercise your body just by sitting.
Dubbed a breakthrough in passive fitness, this chair, modified from an existing product by Toyota's in-house team, introduces a novel approach to sedentary lifestyle challenges.
The chair features an uneven base with one of its three support posts shorter than the others, creating a subtle, continuous tilt that shifts direction over time. This innovative design activates the body’s postural reflexes, compelling the pelvis to adjust while keeping the head stationary.
“The rotation of the chair's base is slow, taking more than a minute to complete a full circle, and is barely noticeable. Yet, it engages muscle groups typically inactive during seated work,” said Toyota's Quantum Human Research Group project manager Tadashi Odashima.
The subtle movements required to maintain balance mimic the core-strengthening effects of a balance ball, but with a crucial distinction—the chair continually adjusts, promoting constant muscle activity without the occupant’s conscious effort.
This technology not only activates underused muscles but also aims to restore lost physical abilities. "Historically, Japanese could carry heavy loads with ease—a testament to the inherent physical capabilities that modern lifestyles have diminished," Odashima added.
The chair’s development was driven by the concept of ERIA—Enhancement by Recovering Inherent Abilities, focusing on reviving the dormant kinetic chains between the brain, muscles, and sensory organs.
Unlike conventional exercise or sensory aids, this method emphasises subconscious development of these connections, potentially improving coordination and reducing the risk of injuries like lower back pain.
The research team noted significant differences in muscle engagement when comparing the dynamic chair to traditional static seating. The ongoing study suggests that continuous, subconscious movements could mitigate the health risks associated with prolonged sitting, which, according to research from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, includes a marked increase in mortality risk.
As more individuals work from home, finding ways to integrate movement into daily routines becomes crucial. Toyota's new chair could represent a significant stride towards healthier living through innovative design, turning the simple act of sitting into an opportunity for exercise and rehabilitation.
The initiative began at Joystay, a geriatric health facility managed by Toyota.
