A movement specialist has found sitting in the perfect size chair can lower blood pressure and heart rate.
The independent study was conducted by the University of Leeds for HSL Chairs, which has a showroom in Swindon.
It found the right chair size can reduce blood pressure by 10 per cent, heart rate by six per cent, and increase tissue oxygenation by more than two per cent.
The research, carried out by Dr Andrea Utley, from the university's School of Biomedical Sciences, involved 24 participants aged 32 to 72.
Dr Utley said: "Sitting in a chair that is an appropriate size for an individual has a number of benefits.
"Sitting itself involves physical effort and if the chair is the right size, the physical effort is reduced.
"This results in a number of physiological benefits and ultimately a restful sit and reduction in fatigue."
She also said the right size chair reduces fidgeting, helping to maintain good posture and limiting common aches and pains.
She added: "This research has shown not only do you sit more comfortably when in the appropriate chair, but you also benefit from improved health too.”
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