Orthopedic & Muscular System: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Interpretation of Kneeling

R Benfayed, D Hamilton, M Moran, AHRW Simpson and D Macdonald

Hypothesis: Interpretations of kneeling are different in different cultures.

Background: Kneeling is best defined as a position where at least one knee is in contact with some part of the environment (usually the ground), and the body weight is being supported predominantly through the knee(s). What is meant by “kneeling” is remarkably different in different cultures because of the diverse patterns of kneeling, such as upright kneeling on one knee, upright kneeling on two knees, and high flexed kneeling patterns.

Methods: One group (40 Muslims) of normal individuals who attended their prayers in a mosque and another group who attended their prayers in a Roman Catholic church (40 Christians) were selected to answer a questionnaire on the importance of kneeling function for them, how often do they need to kneel and to choose the best image to explain what they understood kneeling to mean from images of four different kneeling patterns.

Results: Muslim group: 23 males and 17 females answered the questionnaire. High flex kneeling with both hands on the ground was considered by 24 individuals to be the best definition of kneeling, 16 individuals chose High flex kneeling with the back of the thighs on the heels and non of them chose Upright kneeling patterns, and all of the 40 individuals considered kneeling as an important function for their daily living activities and religious practices. Roman Catholic Christian group: 27 males and 13 females answered the questionnaire. Upright kneeling on both knees was considered to be the best definition of kneeling for all participants. The ability to kneel was considered important by 39 individuals, 24 participants kneel on daily basis, 14 participants kneel on weekly basis and 2 kneel occasionally.

Conclusions: The observations in this study provide insight into the differences in the definition of the kneeling patterns in 2 culturally different populations with different demands on knee flexion, the information could guide the design of new assessment tools that will be culturally appropriate in all respects and include all kneeling patterns.