Standing

Standing is the act of maintaining an upright position with the body supported by the feet. It enables balance, mobility, and many daily tasks that cannot be performed while seated or lying down. In biomechanics, standing involves aligning the head, spine, pelvis, and legs so that the body's center of gravity remains over the base of support formed by the feet.

Posture and balance: Static standing requires coordinated action of muscles in the legs, trunk, and feet to hold the body in neutral alignment. The ankles, knees, and hips make small adjustments to keep balance as the surface beneath shifts. Dynamic standing incorporates weight shifting, stepping in place, or transitioning to walking. Prolonged standing can cause fatigue and discomfort and is associated with venous pooling, varicose veins, and joint loading, whereas regular movement, comfortable footwear, and anti-fatigue surfaces can mitigate these effects.

Clinical and ergonomic relevance: Standing is a basic reference in assessments of posture, balance, and functional capacity. It serves as a starting point for gait evaluation and for diagnosing postural disorders. Ergonomic guidelines aim to reduce static load and promote brief, regular movement.

Social and legal senses: Beyond physiology, standing also refers to social status or legitimacy within a community or organization. In law, standing denotes the right to bring a claim in court, usually requiring a concrete, particularized injury and a causal link to the challenged conduct.