Zero Gravity: The Posture from Space Travel

Zero Gravity is a reclining position in which your legs are raised above heart level and your upper body is reclined at an angle of about 120 to 128 degrees. The name is misleading: no one actually becomes weightless, but your weight is distributed in such a way that no single point bears the entire load.

Where This Attitude Comes From

The concept originated in space exploration. Aboard the Skylab space station, NASA measured the posture the body naturally assumes when it is not subject to gravity. These measurements gave rise to what is known as the “Neutral Body Posture,” a defined range of joint angles documented in NASA Standard 3000 from the late 1980s. Today, the same data is incorporated into car seats and office chairs.

What's Changing

When sitting upright, the lumbar spine supports the upper body. In the zero-gravity position, body weight is distributed evenly across the back and thighs, reducing pressure on the intervertebral discs. Because the legs are elevated above the heart, blood flows back from the calves more easily.

The position also has a second effect on the massage itself: you apply more body weight against the rollers. The same intensity level feels significantly stronger in Zero Gravity than when sitting. If you're used to a stronger massage, you should go down one level the first time.

Who This Is Suitable For

For anyone who spends a lot of time sitting, and especially for heavy legs in the evening. This position is not recommended if you have acute reflux, because lying flat can make it worse, and if you have circulatory problems, you should sit up slowly.

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Back to the overview: Massage Chair Technology Explained in Simple Terms