To Assess and compare the standing lumbar curve in relation to the two chair designs used at the School of Physiotherapy in Jamaica

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine which of the two chair designs at School of Physiotherapy (UWI Mona) most approximates the normal degree of standing lumbar curve.Design and MethodsA non‐equivalent control group experimental study design was used in which 34 of the 61 subjects participated. The degree of lumbar curvature of each subjects was measured in standing and sitting in a standard desk arm chair. The lumbar curvature was measured using a flexible ruler moulded to the spine of each each subject. The landmarks of the lumbar curve from the second sacral spinous process to the third lumbar spinous process were palpated and marked with skin pencil. The corresponding landmarks of the lumbar curve were marked on the flexible ruler. The flexible ruler was used and moulded to the skin overlying these spinous processes. The curve from the ruler was traced on paper. The degrees of lumbar curvature were calculated.ResultsNeither of the two chair designs ( the standard chair or the desk‐arm chair design) provided correct sitting posture. However, the standard chair design yielded the better lordotic curve.ConclusionsProvision should be made for correct sitting posture to prevent possible back injury of future physical thrapists.Grant Funding Source : University of West Indies