Kneeling is a type of position in which one or both knees are in direct contact with the ground. Though similar to squatting in that both positions bring the individual closer to the ground by bending the legs, kneeling uses the knees to support the body whereas the knees do not provide this level of support, nor do they come into contact with the ground while squatting.
There are a variety of reasons that might cause someone to kneel, such as kneeling to rest, as an expression of reverence or submission, during sexual intercourse, and even during childbirth. Many other animals can kneel as well, such as horses, elephants, and other four-legged mammals.
Kneeling has been significant across various cultures and contexts. Traditionally, it's been a gesture of respect, submission, or worship. In religious practices, such as Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, kneeling is a form of devotion and humility before the divine. In feudal societies, it was a sign of fealty or allegiance to a higher authority, often seen in knighthood ceremonies. Kneeling also has practical applications, used in everyday tasks and certain professions for stability or to lower one's height.
Across different eras and societies, the act of kneeling has carried diverse meanings, from reverence and honor to servitude and penance, reflecting its multifaceted role in human expression and interaction.
In the future, the practice of kneeling may evolve with changing cultural and social norms. While its traditional roles in religious and ceremonial contexts might persist, kneeling could also take on new meanings in contemporary society. For instance, it may become more prominent as a symbol of protest or solidarity, as seen in recent social movements. The ergonomics of kneeling in workplaces and daily life might improve with advanced kneeling pads or supportive gear, making it more comfortable for activities like gardening or manual labor.
In fitness and wellness, kneeling positions could be further integrated into exercise and yoga routines, acknowledging their benefits for flexibility and strength. Overall, kneeling will likely continue to be a versatile posture, used in various aspects of life, adapting to the needs and expressions of future societies.
Knee pain is usually caused by inflammation or an injury. The most common cause for knee pain while kneeling is Knee Bursitis, when repeated pressure on a bursa (the small fluid filled sacs that reduce friction between bones and soft tissue) can cause it to swell and become inflamed. Other causes may be Knee Arthritis, Patellar Tendonitis, and Osgood Schlatters.
Since August 2016 American athletes have protested against police brutality and racism by kneeling on one knee during the U.S National Anthem. Since 2017, many players have taken a knee to protest against President Donald Trump’s policies. The protests started in the NFL after San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, sat and knelt during the anthem before his preseason games in 2016.
A kneeling chair is an ergonomically designed chair with the thighs dropped to 60 or70 degrees from vertical (as opposed to 90 degrees in a standard chair); some of the bodyweight is supported by the shins. The chair reduces back pain by dividing the weight between the shins and the glutes. Other benefits are improving posture, developing core muscle, and increasing comfort and concentration.
