Still, he said the results offer further evidence that physical position can influence emotional experience and decision-making. How Researchers Changed Sitting PositionRather than asking participants to sit in a particular way, the researchers changed the environment around them. Some used a tablet raised on a stand and placed on an adjustable table, naturally encouraging a straighter sitting position. Upright Posture and Smarter Risk-TakingThe volunteers then played a computerized game known as the balloon analog risk task. Participants sitting upright tended to inflate the balloons further and collect larger rewards.