Comparing the pedagogical setup of contemporary chair-based sitting with traditional Indian (cross-legged) way of ground-based sitting: A Narrative review

Abstract

Background: Chairs are a relatively newer concept as compared to the traditional Indian way of ground-based sitting. The traditional Indian gurukuls (residential schools), follows Vedic way of minimal living, and the learners primarily adopt ground-based sitting resembling specific asanas (body postures), which offer a wide range of physical and psychological benefits. Problem: Although there is ample study on the consequences of extended (chair-based) sitting and sedentary lifestyle, only a few studies have focused on the ground-based sitting practise adopted in eastern cultures. Furthermore, these limited studies exist in domain-specific silos, with insufficient comparative compilation. Methods: The paper aims to compare the impact of chair-based sitting with ground-based, on learner’s physical, mental, and additional dimensions through literature-based study. Results: The prolonged chair-based sitting impacts - Physical dimensions (like- musculoskeletal pain in body parts, swelling of ankles & legs, etc.), Mental dimensions (like- chronic stress, anxiety & depression, etc.), and additional dimensions (like- poor academic performance, social conduct issues, etc.). Meanwhile, the Indian way of ground (cross-legged) sitting appears to have positive effects on these dimensions. Under the physical dimension, cross-legged sitting betters- blood circulation, back stability, and body's flexibility. This sitting improves the mental dimension through enhanced concentration, inducing a calming effect, etc. Moreover, it aids in additional dimensions, such as balancing the bodily energy systems and imparting longevity benefits. Conclusion: This review highlights the numerous advantages of ground-based (cross-legged) sitting over chair-based, and highlights an excellent opportunity to investigate the ancient knowledge of asana using scientific approaches in educational context.