Why Sitting in Early Childhood Can Be Problematic

The research paper “Healthy Sitting: Dynamic Sitting and Sit-Stand Dynamics” (2025) aptly summarizes it:

“Lack of movement and excessive sitting in school and leisure time are considered main causes for the increase in back pain already in childhood.”

Studies show that 27% of school children complain about back pain at least once a week – a development that often begins in preschool age.

When sitting, muscle activity in the torso, legs, and buttocks is greatly reduced. Metabolism slows down, and circulation slows. In the long term, this can impair physical development, promote concentration problems, and cause postural damage.

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What is “Dynamic Sitting” – and Why is it Beneficial in Kindergarten?

Dynamic sitting means moving while sitting. This can include rocking, sliding, turning, or changing postures. Instead of teaching children to remain motionless (“Sit still!”), it’s about giving space to their natural urge to move.

The research paper emphasizes:

“Children naturally move a lot while sitting – the fidgety rocking with the chair or sliding back and forth is well known. Instead of completely suppressing this, experts advocate giving space to this urge to move, as it promotes concentration and physical development.”

What Does a Movement-Friendly Kindergarten Look Like in Practice?

1. Versatile Seating

Instead of rigid chairs, stools, exercise balls, cushions, or modular seating stones like those from Stapelstein® can be used. These allow different seating positions and encourage micro-movements.

2. Flexible Seating Circle

Children don’t always have to sit in a fixed formation. A change between floor work, standing phases, and a relaxed seating arrangement (e.g., on cushions or balance elements) brings variety and activates different muscle groups.

3. Active Morning Circles

Songs with movements, small stretching exercises, or rhythmic rocking to music help get the children moving right at the start of the day.

4. Active Breaks and Movement Games

Just 2-3 minutes of movement per hour are enough to promote circulation. Classics like "The floor is lava" or "Imitate animals" can be specifically incorporated.

Movement promotes not only the body – but also the mind

Several studies show that physical activity improves cognitive performance. According to a study in elementary schools, the use of standing desks and active teaching led to a 12% higher attention span. Even in kindergarten, movement can help reduce overwhelm, promote self-regulation, and improve social interaction.

Conclusion: More movement = better development

Movement in kindergarten is far more than a "nice-to-have." It is a health necessity – and can be actively promoted through simple but thoughtful measures. Dynamic sitting and movement concepts like those from Stapelstein® support not only back health but also lay the foundation for lifelong joy in movement.

Frequently asked questions about movement in kindergarten

• Why is movement in kindergarten so important?
  Movement not only strengthens the body but also supports the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children.
• What is dynamic sitting in kindergarten?
  Dynamic sitting means active, movement-friendly sitting, where children are allowed to move freely while sitting – through rocking, balancing, or changing posture.
• Which furniture is suitable for more movement in kindergarten?
  Movement-friendly furniture like balance cushions, flexible stools, or modular elements like Stapelstein® promote child-friendly, active sitting.

Interested?

• Discover our ergonomic seating furniture
• Stapelstein® for schools and kindergartens
• Ergonomic seating furniture for children - what to consider?
• Back pain in children

Sources

• Engeroff et al. (2025): Current evidence on sitting behavior
  
• Karolinska Institutet: Study on activity through dynamic sitting
• Lukas & Langendörfer (2020): Back pain in the growth age
• Stapelstein Research (2025): Healthy Sitting – Dynamic Sitting and Sit-Stand Dynamics

• WHO Guidelines (2020): Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour