Prolonged Sitting Posture Research Articles

Gender Based Prevalence of Cervicogenic Headache

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of cervicogenic headache (CGH) among IT professionals and to understand the factors contributing to its onset, focusing on work-related habits such as prolonged sitting and poor posture. Objectives: The primary objective was to determine the incidence of CGH in individuals working in IT companies and to evaluate the impact of work hours, ergonomics, and other lifestyle factors on the development of cervicogenic headaches. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an IT company, with data collected from 187 employees through a questionnaire and the cervical flexion rotation test. Participants reported their working hours, neck pain symptoms, and other relevant lifestyle factors. The sample included 130 males and 57 females, and the primary age group was 25-35 years. The cervical flexion rotation test was used as a diagnostic tool to assess CGH prevalence.

Prevalence of Thoracic Hyperkyphosis Posture among Female Students of Allied Health Institutes and Its Association With Rounded Shoulders

Background: Thoracic hyper kyphosis and rounded shoulders are common postural abnormalities among young females, which can lead to musculoskeletal impairments and reduced quality of life. Prolonged sitting and poor posture are key contributing factors to these conditions.Objective: To determine the prevalence of thoracic hyper kyphosis among female students at allied health institutes and its association with rounded shoulders.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 334 female students aged 18 to 25 years from three allied health institutes in Faisalabad. Thoracic hyper kyphosis was measured using a flexi curve ruler from C7 to T12, and rounded shoulders were assessed with a Vernier caliper measuring the acromion-to-bed distance. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, including descriptive statistics and logistic regression to assess associations.Results: The prevalence of thoracic hyper kyphosis was 19.5%, and rounded shoulders were observed in 21.6% of participants. A significant association was found between thoracic hyper kyphosis and rounded shoulders (p = 0.005). Each additional hour of sitting increased the odds of hyper kyphosis by 43% (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.12 - 1.82) and rounded shoulders by 51% (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.18 - 1.93).Conclusion: The study identified a significant prevalence of thoracic hyper kyphosis and rounded shoulders among female students, linked to prolonged sitting. Preventive measures focusing on postural correction and reducing sitting time are recommended.

Assessing the Impact of Prolonged Sitting and Poor Posture on Lower Back Pain: A Photogrammetric and Machine Learning Approach

Prolonged static sitting at the workplace is considered one of the main risks for the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and adverse health effects. Factors such as poor posture and extended sitting are perceived to be a reason for conditions such as lumbar discomfort and lower back pain (LBP), even though the scientific explanation of this relationship is still unclear and raises disputes in the scientific community. The current study focused on evaluating the relationship between LBP and prolonged sitting in poor posture using photogrammetric images, postural angle calculation, machine learning models, and questionnaire-based self-reports regarding the occurrence of LBP and similar symptoms among the participants. Machine learning models trained with this data are employed to recognize poor body postures. Two scenarios have been elaborated for modeling purposes: scenario 1, based on natural body posture tagged as correct and incorrect, and scenario 2, based on incorrect body postures, corrected additionally by the rehabilitator. The achieved accuracies of respectively 75.3% and 85% for both scenarios reveal the potential for future research in enhancing awareness and actively managing posture-related issues that elevate the likelihood of developing lower back pain symptoms.

Effect of an online posture exercise program during the COVID-19 pandemic on students' musculoskeletal pain and quality of life.

Prolonged sitting and poor posture can contribute to musculoskeletal pain and have a negative effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among young adults. Any prolonged posture leads to static loading of soft tissues and causes discomfort. Seated posture leads to inactivity causing an accumulation of metabolites, accelerating disk degeneration and musculoskeletal pain. Regular exercise has major contributions to the prevention and treatment of some health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders. This study aimed to assess the impact of online posture exercises on musculoskeletal pain and health related quality of life among university students receiving distance education during the COVID-19pandemic. This randomized controlled trial involved 72students divided into intervention (n= 35) and control (n= 37) groups. The intervention group followed an 8-week online stretching and posture exercise program. Baseline and 8-week results were measured using the SF-36 QoL Questionnaire and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Students spent an average of 5.4 ± 2.5hours daily at computers. While there was no difference between the scores of any region in the CMDQ in the control group, there was a decrease in the neck, right shoulder, left shoulder, waist, left upper leg, right lower leg, and left lower leg discomfort scores in the intervention group (p< 0.05). There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the total score of SF-36 and the sub-dimensions of vitality and mental health (p< 0.05). The online posture exercise program led to notable reductions in musculoskeletal pain and improvements in QoL among university students. Examining the effectiveness of online exercise programs in different age groups is important for health benefits during quarantines.

The Comparison of the Effect of Prolonged Sitting on Lumbar Repositioning Error in Asymptomatic and Chronic Low Back Pain Participants with Seated Sedentary Behavior

Lumbar Repositioning Error (LRPE) refers to an individual’s capacity to perceive and control the precise position of their lumbar spine. An adequate lumbar repositioning is crucial for sustaining spinal stability and an optimal function during sitting activities. When lumbar repositioning is inaccurate, it can lead to ineffective movement patterns that might contribute to the development of low back pain (LBP). However, the impact of prolonged sitting on LRPE in asymptomatic individuals and those with chronic low back pain (CLBP) remains unexplored. To assess the effects of continuous 30 min sitting on LRPE and pain in asymptomatic and CLBP participants with sedentary behavior, 50 participants (25 asymptomatic and 25 CLBP) were recruited. Their LRPE and pain were measured before and after a 30 min sitting condition. Both groups experienced a significant increase in pain intensity after the 30 min sitting period (p = 0.001 for asymptomatic, p = 0.006 for CLBP). The LRPE remained unchanged in the asymptomatic group (p = 0.066), but it was significantly increased in the CLBP group (p = 0.001). Furthermore, the CLBP group exhibited significantly higher levels of LRPE and pain compared to the asymptomatic group after sitting (p = 0.041 and p = 0.001, respectively). Prolonged sitting posture is a risk of LBP, particularly in sedentary individuals. To prevent the exacerbation of LRPE and LBP, individuals with CLBP, especially those with sedentary lifestyles, should avoid sitting continuously for 30 min. These findings highlight the importance of physical therapists providing such guidance in practice. HIGHLIGHTS Prolonged sitting for 30 min appears to impact back pain CLBP participants experienced a significant increase in lumbar repositioning error (LRPE) after the 30 min sitting condition Physical therapists should advise people with sedentary lifestyles with low back pain to refrain from sitting for 30 min GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Epidemiology of low back pain: frequency, risk factors, and patterns in South-South Nigeria.

Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that poses significant public health challenges. However, its epidemiology in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in rural settings, remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of LBP in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital. This was a retrospective review of the records of all LBP cases seen at the rheumatology clinic from 2018 to 2022 in a Teaching Hospital in South-South Nigeria. The sociodemographic and clinical data, including disability scores, was extracted from the patients' medical records. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25, and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Among 1,580 patients, 319 (20.2%) reported LBP. The mean age was 59.51 ±10.21, and the peak age incidence was 51-60 years. Low back pain was more prevalent in females (61.4%). Work-related factors (47.3%) such as heavy lifting (26.3%), prolonged sitting (19.4%), and poor posture (27.9%) were the prominent risk factors. Sedentary behavior (11.5%) and obesity (16.9%) contributed. Common clinical manifestations included difficulty standing or bending (73%), walking difficulties (67.7%), sleep disturbances (51.4%), and radicular pain (45.8%). Common etiologies were spondylosis (66.5%), spondylolisthesis (22.3%), disc prolapse (19.4%), spinal canal stenosis (15.4%), muscle spasm (12.2%), and tuberculous spondylitis (9.7%). Acute and chronic LBP constituted 12.2% and 79.9% of cases, respectively. In terms of disability, 33.5% had minimal, 44.5% had moderate, 15.4% had severe, and 6.6% had crippling disabilities. Mechanical causes were the most implicated in LBP. Work-related factors and lifestyle choices contribute to the occurrence of LBP. Adjusting posture and lifestyle modification reduces LBP risk. Understanding its epidemiology is crucial for optimizing care and implementing preventive strategies.

Influence of Prolonged Sitting Posture on lumbar range of motion in computer users

Influence of Prolonged Sitting Posture on lumbar range of motion in computer users

Indirect effects of the lockdown for the COVID-19 pandemic: Comparative study of fibular palsies from prolonged sitting posture.

Indirect effects of the lockdown for the COVID-19 pandemic: Comparative study of fibular palsies from prolonged sitting posture.

Prolonged Sitting Posture: Massage and Physical Exercise Program as Effective Therapy in 45 Sedentary Officers using Their Vehicles Full Time

The high prevalence of low back pain associated with prolonged sitting as a result of work demands, is a major public health problem. Added to this is the sedentary lifestyle and full-time use of vehicles, keeping workers in this seated position. We now know the many benefits of regular exercise and physical activity. Inactivity is considered a risk factor associated with the development of lower back pain. We undertook this study to make subjects aware of the consequences of this posture. In addition, we wanted to help them relieve lower back pain and functional disability caused by prolonged sitting posture. To achieve this, we have set ourselves the goal of assessing the effect that the combination of a physical exercise program and massage with shea butter could have on lumbar pain and functional disability in inactive sedentary officials with full-time lumbar pain driving their vehicles. To achieve this goal, we brought together 45 subjects divided into three experimental groups. The results show that the group receiving the combination of an exercise and massage program with shea butter, experienced a significant decrease in pain and functional disability over the 6 weeks. Thus, the combination of an exercise and massage program with shea butter allows effective management of pain and functional disability in inactive sedentary officials.

A method for postural critical factors checking: The case of library chairs

BACKGROUND: According to ergonomic researches regarding a good sitting posture, it is essential to ensure a natural back-curve in order to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. A brief observation among the Scientific Technology Library inside the University of Salerno showed that students used to complain about neck and lumbar pain, especially after a study day. OBJECTIVE: On the light of this background, a sitting posture comfort analysis had been performed on chairs inside the library to check the critical factors that influence the postural comfort and, consequently, the learning. METHODS: A prolonged sitting posture, that is common during the daily study activity, had been simulated with fifteen volunteer students performing 1-hour tests (divided into four 15-minutes tasks). Subjective perceptions had been gathered through questionnaires rating on a 5-point Comfort scale, both the expected comfort at the beginning of the experiment and the Localized Postural Comfort at the end of each task have been investigated. Then, postural angles had been gathered through photographic acquisition and Kinovea®. CaMAN software had been used to calculate the objective (dis)comfort indexes. Finally, subjective and objective data had been statistically processed and compared. RESULTS: Lumbar area scored the lowest perceived comfort while the perceived comfort was independent of participants and tasks, but dependent on time. CONCLUSIONS: After this comfort-driven analysis, critical factors of the chair-design were checked, and a proposal for a future re-design was hypothesized.

The Effect of Prolonged Time of Tablet Usage on Postural Alignment in Children

Background: Smart handheld devices are nowadays forming a great impact on people’s health. The prolonged use of these devices is known to be associated with musculoskeletal disorders in the upper limb. The aim of this study: was to examine the effect of prolonged usage of tablets on postural alignment in children.Methods: 60 female children,  their age ranged from 7 to 10 years, were participated in this study, and they were randomly divided equally into 2 groups according to the total interrupted time spent using the tablets, reported by their parents. Group (1) those who use tablets less than 3hours per day, and group (2) those who use tablets from 3 to 6 hours per day. Assessments and comparisons between the two groups were applied by using the bio photogrammetric postural analysis to measure the Craniovertebral angle (CVA), The Head tilt angle (HTA), Forward Shoulder Angle (FSA), Thoracic kyphotic angle (TKA), Lumbar lordotic angle (LLA) and Pelvic tilt angle (PTA).Results:The findings indicated significant differences between the examined groups regarding the CVA, HTA, FSA,TKA, while there were no significant differences could be recorded relative to LLA and PTA. Conclusion:Prolonged sitting posture for children who use tablets can produce postural alignment changes such as FHP, rounded shoulders and increased kyphosis with predicted other spinal changes at lumbar and pelvic regions and associated forward musculoskeletal disorders.Â

MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPUTER USE AMONG MINIA UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES

Introduction: Occupational use of computers has increased rapidly over recent decades, and has been linked with various musculoskeletal complaints.Repetitive hand movements lead to overload of the upper extremity and neck, and prolonged sitting posture leads to overload on the lower back. Pain in the upper extremities and the neck-shoulder region will affect the workers’ health and productivity and it accounts for most work-related time lost. Aim of work: To identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors among computer office workers in Minia University. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study; a total of 182 computer office workers in Minia University were interviewed during the period from January to June 2016. Every participant completed a questionnaire that included his socio-demographic data, and information about any job-related musculoskeletal disorders. Describing and determining the site of pain was performed by using the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ). Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was arranged in the following order: lower back pain (78%), neck complaints (68.1%) and upper musculoskeletal complaints (61.5%). There were significant associations between doing repetitive tasks, and not taking breaks on the one hand and lower back pain complaint on the other hand (p<0.001and 0.03, respectively). Conclusion: a high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was observed among computer office workers due to poor ergonomic practices in their workplace, being in the same position for long period, doing repetitive tasks and lack of regular breaks. The use of ergonomic principles will reduce these types of pain.

Application of ergonomic postures during routine dental procedures in a private dental institute

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are one of the main occupational health hazards affecting dental practitioners. Prolonged sitting and awkward posture can lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This can result in early retirements. Therefore, ergonomic principles should be followed to establish a safe, healthy, and comfortable working environment for dental practitioners, as this also affects the quality of work. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of ergonomic principles in routine dentistry. Materials and Methods: A single photograph of each practitioner while working on their patient was clicked, and a grid was then developed over these photographs. An assessment form was formulated which was used to evaluate various parameters. The parameters included eye, neck, elbow, upper back, lower back, thigh, and distance of headlight from the oral cavity. Measurements were done manually using ruler and protractor. After assessing all the parameters and determining the values, the evaluation of the results was done using Chi-square test. Results: The photographic analysis was completed by a total of 75 individuals, where 56 (74.6%) were female and 19 (25.3%) of them were male dental practitioners. None of the operators had a correct position of the neck, thus the neck being the most neglected parameter. Only three individuals were observed to follow the correct position of the elbow (P = 0.530). The majority of the individuals failed to position their back (P = 0.098) in the correct manner while performing clinical work. Moreover, it was found that only 15 individuals were following the correct thigh position while operating. Conclusion: Proper implementation of ergonomic principles and maintenance of balanced posture can prevent the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders and thus increases the work productivity.

Influence of seat tilt motion on discomfort perception during a simulated driving activity.

Discomfort perceived in activities where there is a prolonged sitting posture are normally compensated in a natural way by means of macro-repositioning movements in the seat. Nevertheless, evidence shows that such movements are not able to palliate discomfort due to lumbar pain. This study involves research performed to demonstrate whether induced postural changes are able to mitigate this type of discomfort during a simulated driving activity. Twenty-four subjects with lumbar pain (LBP) and without lumbar pain (WLBP) underwent 90 min of simulated driving activities while periodic variations of seat tilt (Tt) were implemented. Discomfort perception due to lumbar pain significantly decreased in the case of Tt compared with the case of WTt (without seat tilt), and significant differences were found (p = 0.02). However, treatments with Tt indicated that no substantial differences exist between LBP and WLBP subjects when considering discomfort perception due to lumbar pain and the erector spinae activity. This study revealed that periodic variations on seat tilt can help to reduce discomfort perception due to lumbar pain during driving activities, regardless of the health condition of the subject.

Vibration exposure and work‐musculoskeletal disorders among traffic police riders in Malaysia: A review

Background: The traffic police force is one of the occupations that utilize motorcycles as the main mode of transport. The main ergonomic hazard with the constant use of motorcycles is exposure of riders to vibration while riding their motorcycles, which can potentially lead to work.related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Objective: This review is meant to provide an overview of the available vibration exposure with WMSDs for traffic police riders and to review the related guidelines. Method: This study involved comprehensive search of database from 1945 to 2015. Published research paper that reported on the vibration exposure, prevalence, and/or risk factors of WMSDs and occupational riders were assessed and reviewed. Result: The review suggests that the main factors involving vibration in motorcycles come from the motorcycles itself, the posture of the hands and arms during the gripping of the handlebars, the surrounding environment, and the period of riding motorcycles. Majority of the studies agreed that police riders had higher percentage of WMSDs especially in lower back, neck, and shoulder. Conclusion: Overall, police riders have a high incidence of WMSDs, which in combination with exposure to vibrations with prolonged sitting and static posture may increase their susceptibility to WMSDs. Further research is required to explore the level of exposure to vibrations and WMSDs among traffic police riders, its potentially consequences, and ways to reduce exposure and risk associated with vibrations and WMSDs.

Effect of prolonged sitting on body-seat contact pressures among quay crane operators: A pilot study.

Quay crane operators are specialized in moving containers to and from vessels while adopting constrained sitting postures for prolonged periods (4-6 consecutive hours) in a very challenging environment. Thus, they are exposed to discomfort or pain that may result in deterioration of their performance with consequent reduction of operational safety levels. Such discomfort can be indirectly and partially assessed by measuring contact pressure at the body-seat interface. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility, usefulness, and effectiveness of monitoring the variations in seat-body interface pressure during a regular work shift of 4 hours performed in a simulated environment. Eight professional operators performed a four-hour shift in a realistic control station set inside a quay crane simulator. Seat-body contact pressures were measured at 10 Hz using two pressure-sensitive mats placed on the seat pan and the backrest. Raw pressure data were processed to extract pressure vs. time curves related to the whole seat surface and, for the seat pan only, values associated with four anatomical regions (i.e. left and right thighs and buttocks). During the work shift, the mean backrest pressure was low and fairly constant. Seat pan pressure increased by 10%, rising from 7.4 (1.5) to 8.2 (2.3) kPa over the simulated shift. Detailed analysis of the four sub-regions revealed that as the trial progressed the mean contact pressure on buttocks decreased (-6% at the end of the trial) while thigh pressures increased (by 10 and 20% for right and left sides, respectively). Although further studies with larger samples are needed, long-term monitoring of the body-seat contact pressures of crane operators in a simulated environment appears to be a useful tool to identify specific postural strategies to reduce discomfort originated by prolonged sitting posture.

Relación entre el dolor lumbar y los movimientos realizados en postura sedente prolongada. Revisión de la literatura

Resumen La evidencia cientifica muestra que existe una asociacion entre dolor lumbar y postura sedente prolongada, ademas una de las poblaciones mas sensibles es la de conductores con una alta prevalencia. Ahora bien los movimientos posturales en la silla son la respuesta natural del cuerpo debida a la incomodidad percibida por el dolor lumbar pero esta difiere en funcion de la historia previa. Con base en esto se realizo una revision sobre los estudios que existen en relacion al dolor lumbar y el movimiento en postura sedente prolongada, incluyendo la poblacion de conductores, con el fin de comprender esta relacion. Se recuperaron 6226 articulos, de los cuales 16 articulos fueron publicados entre 1970 y 2011, estos proporcionaron la informacion necesaria para contestar la pregunta de revision. Se pudo constatar que ninguno de los estudios han sido realizados en actividades de conducir y la mayoria se realizo con sujetos voluntarios sin considerar si la poblacion era trabajadora. El movimiento con dolor lumbar en postura sedente prolongada solo se pudo explicar desde el rango de movimiento lumbar debido a que solo se encontro un articulo con estas caracteristicas, hallando que los sintomaticos se mueven mas pero que el dolor lumbar no disminuye en funcion del tiempo, es decir que conocemos muy poco acerca de la paradoja movimiento y dolor en postura sedente prolongada. Abstract Scientific evidence shows an association between low back pain and prolonged sitting posture, also one of the most sensitive populations to this disorder are the drivers with a high prevalence. Postural movements in the chair are body's natural response to perceived discomfort caused by back pain but this is different depending on each individual's background of back pain. Based on this, we perform a review of studies related to low back pain and movement in prolonged sitting posture, including the driver population, in order to understand this relationship. We retrieved 6226 articles, of which 16 matched the established criteria and provided the information necessary to answer the review question. We found that none of the studies considered were conducted in driving activities and most of them were done with volunteer subjects regardless if they were workers or not. The movement with low back pain in prolonged sitting posture could only be explained from the range of lumbar motion because only one article matched these characteristics, finding that symptomatic people move more but low back pain does not decrease as a function of time, proving that we know very little about the paradoxical between movement and pain in prolonged sitting posture. Correspondencia a: Maria Fernanda Maradei. Km 2 via Bogota, Condominio Hacienda San Miguel Casa 30 Piedecuesta, Santander, Colombia. Tel: 3002907502. fmaradeig@hotmail.com Financiacion: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Universtiy of Texas. No. de Proyecto: PPTA 4167

Macro repositioning movements of pelvis and trunk during simulated driving tasks

Low back pain (LBP)3 is one of the most important features of discomfort in prolonged sitting postures. This is evidenced by an increase in the number of postural changes called macro-movements. The focus of study was the frequencies of macro repositioning movements in prolonged sitting posture resulting from the perception of discomfort caused by low-back pain. Eighteen (18) drivers performed driving tasks for a period of 90 min. The results indicate that LBP participants performed more movements (10.52 rep/h), compared to without low back pain participants (8.52 rep/h). However, the latter moved more than expected due to joint macro movements of the pelvis and trunk. LBP subjects generally performed macro-repositioning movements of the trunk only, while without low back pain (WLBP)4 subjects moved pelvis and trunk simultaneously. Although the WLBP participants moved less than those with LBP symptoms, they applied different movement strategies which should be considered in further research. Finally, the authors also propose that future research should be directed towards determining the influence of these lumbo pelvic movements when provided in a controlled manner, to improve comfort in seats and to help manufactures to offer better ergonomic seats. Relevance to industryAccording to the findings of this study, control of lumbo pelvic movements could be used to improve the design and production of ergonomic seats for driving activities.

Neck–tongue syndrome precipitated by prolonged poor sitting posture

Neck–tongue syndrome precipitated by prolonged poor sitting posture

Neck/shoulder pain and low back pain among school teachers in China, prevalence and risk factors

BackgroundSchool teachers represent an occupational group among which there appears to be a high prevalence of neck and/or shoulder pain (NSP) and low back pain (LBP). Epidemiological data on NSP and LBP in Chinese teachers are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for NSP and LBP among primary, secondary and high school teachers.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study of teachers from 7 schools, information on participant demographics, work characteristics, occupational factors and musculoskeletal symptoms and pain were collected.ResultsAmong 893 teachers, the prevalence of NSP and LBP was 48.7% and 45.6% respectively. There was significant association between the level and prevalence of NSP and LBP among teachers in different schools. The prevalence of NSP among female teachers was much higher than that for males. Self-reported NSP was associated with physical exercise (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.86), prolonged standing (1.74, 1.03 to 2.95), sitting (1.76, 1.23 to 2.52) and static posture (2.25, 1.56 to 3.24), and uncomfortable back support (1.77, 1.23 to 2.55). LBP was more consistently associated with twisting posture (1.93, 1.30 to 2.87), uncomfortable back support (1.62, 1.13 to 2.32) and prolonged sitting (1.42, 1.00 to 2.02) and static posture (1.60, 1.11 to 2.31).ConclusionsNSP and LBP are common among teachers. There were strong associations with different individual, ergonomic, and occupational factors.