recumbent

Recumbent is an adjective meaning lying down or reclining. Derived from the Latin recumbere, it describes a position in which the body is laid horizontally, most commonly on the back (supine), but it can also refer to lateral recumbent positions used for examinations or imaging. The term contrasts with prone (face down) and upright postures and is used across medical, ergonomic, and design contexts.

In medicine and clinical settings, a recumbent position is used for examinations, imaging, surgery, and comfort during procedures. Variants include the supine recumbent position (lying on the back) and lateral or seated recumbent positions, chosen to provide access to organs, reduce pressure points, or optimize breathing and circulation. Recumbent positioning can influence imaging results and physiologic measurements, and it is adjusted to accommodate patients with various conditions or immobility.

In transportation and recreation, recumbent refers to devices that position the rider in a reclining posture. The most familiar example is the recumbent bicycle, where the rider sits with the back supported and legs extended forward. Designs may be two-wheeled or three-wheeled, with variations in seating, steering, and gearing. Proponents point to advantages such as improved aerodynamics, increased comfort, and reduced strain on the wrists, neck, and back; critics note higher cost, greater weight, a longer learning curve, and different handling characteristics, especially at low speeds or on hills.

Recumbent concepts also appear in exercise equipment (recumbent bikes) and in furniture or medical devices that support a reclined posture, such as recumbent chairs and beds. The term is used to describe any arrangement that promotes a horizontal or reclined position for resting, treatment, or propulsion.