Prolonged Sitting Research Articles

Overview of musculoskeletal pain complains in motorcycles and car drivers

Background: Motorcycle and car riders in Indonesia have a very high population. This results in the rider's body being in a prolonged static position every day while driving. Motorcycle and car riders are forced to drive a vehicle for at least 1 – 2 hours a day. Prolonged sitting positions can result in some musculoskeletal pain. This study aims to analyze the use of vehicles, both motorcycles and cars, in terms of driving duration and determine the incidence of musculoskeletal pain. Methods: This research uses a descriptive research design with a cross-sectional analysis. The data source for this research is primary data obtained by interviewing and using a questionnaire that refers to the Nordic Body Map to map musculoskeletal pain complaints felt by participants while driving. Results: The total population was 124 people, however, only 88 samples were willing to be research subjects in this study. The results shown that more than 60 percent of respondents felt musculoskeletal pain in their bodies because of driving. Driving for more than 3 hours a day is one of the factor causing the musculoskeletal pain. From the data that has been obtained, it can be seen that musculoskeletal pain is felt in almost all parts of the body. Furthermore, pain in the lower back and neck was the most painful area of the body that felt by the most respondents. The upper back/shoulder is also a part of the body that feels pain almost the same as the neck. Conclusion: Vehicle drivers, both motorcycles and cars, have quite a large percentage of experiencing musculoskeletal pain complaints. The parts of the body that experience the most of musculoskeletal pain complaints are the low back, neck and upper back or shoulders.

Appropriately Addressing Too Much Sitting as a Public Health Issue: Content Analysis of Coverage in the Five Major National Japanese Newspapers.

Recent international public health guidelines now address reducing and breaking up time spent sitting (sedentary behavior). Japanese people spend considerable time sitting in workplaces and other contexts. With potential future public health guidelines in Japan, there is the need for greater public awareness of the importance of reducing sedentary time and of practical ways to do so. From the five major Japanese national newspapers, articles on sedentary behavior published between 2000 and 2021 were identified and coded for content analysis, including the main topic of the article, population group, sedentary behavior context or domain, health outcome, and solutions for reducing sedentary time. There were 53 articles identified, with sedentary behavior being the main topic in 22; workers as a population group appeared in 20 articles and workplaces as a domain in 22. More than 70% mentioned health influences, but fewer than 60% mentioned solutions. Further to informing the public about adverse health influences and consequences for workers and workplaces, there is also the need for improved coverage of the broader benefits of reducing sitting time, sedentary behavior among older adults and children, sitting in all aspects of daily life, and, importantly, considering public health guidelines and solutions for reducing prolonged sitting.

Seated Elliptical Exercise, But Not Periodic Standing, Alleviates Sitting-Induced Changes to Arterial Wave Reflections.

Sedentary behavior may contribute to increased central wave reflection due to associated peripheral vasoconstriction, yet its impact on central hemodynamics and the mitigating effects of interventional strategies have not been thoroughly investigated. We tested whether standing or seated elliptical breaks alleviate the deleterious effects of prolonged sitting on central wave reflections. Eighteen healthy adults (9 9 females, 25 ± 3 yr) completed three 3-h protocols on separate days: uninterrupted sitting, sitting with periodic standing, and sitting with periodic seated elliptical activity. Central wave reflection, central pulse wave velocity, and lower-limb pulse wave velocity were measured before and after each intervention. Central relative wave reflection magnitude (RM) increased during sitting (0.31 ± 0.05 to 0.35 ± 0.05; P < 0.01) but did not change after standing (0.30 ± 0.05 to 0.32 ± 0.04; P = 0.19) or elliptical protocols (0.30 ± 0.05 to 0.30 ± 0.04; P > 0.99). The change in RM during prolonged sitting (ΔRM) was attenuated with elliptical activity (0.04 ± 0.05 vs 0.00 ± 0.03; P = 0.02) but not with periodic standing (0.04 ± 0.04 vs 0.02 ± 0.05; P = 0.54). In addition, augmentation index and central pulse wave velocity increased after sitting (both P < 0.01) and periodic standing (both P < 0.01) but were unchanged after elliptical activity. Lower limb pulse wave velocity did not change after sitting ( P = 0.73) or standing ( P = 0.21) but did decrease after elliptical activity ( P = 0.03). Prolonged sitting without interruptions increased central wave reflection, whereas elliptical but not standing interruptions were able to ameliorate multiple sitting-induced vascular consequences. More work is required to examine the long-term effectiveness of interruption strategies, as well as the optimal type, frequency, and duration for reducing vascular risk associated with sedentary behaviors.

Exploring Parental Experiences With School-Aged Children Receiving Web-Based Learning: Cross-Sectional Study.

Web-based learning has transformed education. Its ability to overcome physical barriers and deliver knowledge at the click of a button has made web-based learning popular and ensured that it will continue to be used in the future. The involvement of parents in web-based learning is fundamental to the success of the educational process, but limited attention has been paid to the impact of web-based learning on parents. This study examined parental experiences with school-aged children receiving web-based learning in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We sent cross-sectional, anonymous web-based questionnaires to school-aged children's parents. A total of 184 parents completed the survey. Parents' negative experiences of web-based learning (mean 4.13, SD 0.62) exceeded their positive experiences (mean 3.52, SD 0.65). The most negative experience reported by parents was their child's boredom due to prolonged sitting in front of a device (mean 4.56, SD 0.69). The most positive experience was their child's technological skill enhancement (mean 3.98, SD 88). Their child's lack of social interaction and friendship building promoted stress among parents (r=-0.190; P=.01). At the same time, their child's technological skill enhancement reduced stress among parents (r=0.261; P=.001). The most reported (63/184, 34.2%) obstacle to web-based learning was having multiple learners in the same household. Web-based learning is a fundamental learning method and will continue to be used in the future because of its ability to overcome many barriers to education. Parental involvement in the continuity and success of the web-based learning process is crucial. However, the findings of this study illustrated that parents' experiences of web-based learning were more negative than positive. Parents who reported negative experiences reported an increase in stress and faced more obstacles due to web-based learning. Thus, more attention and intervention are needed to promote positive web-based learning experiences among parents.

Sedentary lifestyle of university students is detrimental to the thoracic spine in men and to the lumbar spine in women.

Sitting for long periods of time and lack of physical activity in young adults can cause postural deterioration leading to rapid onset of fatigue and increase the risk of back pain. We were interested in whether there are gender differences in spinal curvature among university students with a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. 20 sedentary female (age 20 ± 0.73 years) and 39 sedentary male university students (age 20 ± 1.08 years) participated in this study. Their thoracic and lumbar curvatures were assessed while standing and sitting using a Spinal Mouse. In standing, 80.0% of the females and 69.2% of the males had a neutral position of the thoracic spine (33.25° and 35.33°, respectively). However, more males, 30.8%, than females, 10.0%, had hyperkyphosis (54.27° and 47.0°, respectively). Hypokyphosis was found in 10.0% of the females (18.50°) and none in the males. Similarly, 90.0% of the females and 97.4% of the males had neutral position of the lumbar spine (-33.11° and -29.76°, respectively). Increased hyperlordosis was found in 10.0% of the females and 2.6% of the males (-41.0° and -50.0°, respectively). Hypolordosis was not detected in either females or males. In sitting, on the other hand, 70.0% of the females and only 33.3% of the males had a neutral position of the thoracic spine (30.20° and 30.62°, respectively). Increased hyperkyphosis was found in 46.2% of the males (59.76°) and none of the females. 30.0% of the females and 23.1% of the males had light hypokyphosis (47.50° and 46.67°, respectively). Similarly, 70.0% of the females and only 38.5% of the males had a neutral position of the lumbar spine (7.0° and 6.6°, respectively). 35.9% of the males and only 5.0% of the females had a light hypokyphosis (16.14° and 16.0°, respectively). Slightly increased hyperkyphosis was identified in 25.6% of the males and 25.0% of the females (23.9° and 22.5°, respectively). There are significant gender differences in spinal curvature. While in the thoracic spine it was to the detriment of the males when both standing and sitting, in the lumbar spine it is related to the females only when standing. It is therefore necessary to eliminate these spinal deviations in young adults induced by prolonged sitting during university courses by appropriate recovery modalities.

The Effects of Breaking Up Prolonged Sitting on Cognitive Performance in Middle‐Aged and Older Adults: Dose Response Analysis of a Randomized Crossover Trial

AbstractBackgroundSedentary behavior (SED) is highly prevalent and associated with poor health outcomes and cognitive decline, independent of physical activity (PA). Studies have established the harmful effects on cognition and information processing, and while PA guidelines endorse reducing SED, they fail to address how often SED should be broken up, and for how long. The purpose of this study is to assess how frequently and for how long SED should be disrupted with light‐intensity physical activity (PA) to offset the effects on cognitive performance.MethodA randomized crossover study of n = 11 middle and older aged adults (&gt;45 years) completed five 8‐hour visits: a sedentary (control) condition and four experimental conditions with varied walking (1.9 mph, 0% grade) frequency and durations: every 30 minutes for 1 minute, every 30 minutes for 5 minutes, every 60 minutes for 1 minute, and every 60 minutes for 5 minutes. Cognition was assessed at baseline, 4 hours, and 6 hours via the Single Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), a validated cognitive performance measure that assesses information processing speed and accuracy.ResultCompared with control, there was significant improvement in SDMT score for the every 30 minutes for 5 minutes dose (net difference compared to control: 3.1 [SE: 1.4], p‐value = 0.034), every 60 minutes for 1 minute dose (net difference compared to control: 3.4 [SE: 1.4], p‐value = 0.016), and every 60 minutes for 5 minutes dose (net difference compared to control: 3.3 [SE: 1.4], p‐value = 0.017). The effect on SDMT was not statistically significant for the every 30 minutes for 1 minute dose, but a positive trend was observed (net difference compared to control: 2.6 [SE: 1.4], p‐value = 0.069).ConclusionThere was a significant effect of breaking up SED on SDMT scores with light intensity walking for both low frequency breaks (1 minute every 60 minutes and for 5 minutes every 60 minutes) and high frequency breaks (5 minutes every 60 minutes). This suggests that even brief breaks in SED may offset harmful effects on cognitive performance. This result provides a specific and achievable mechanism for offsetting the harm caused by SED on cognitive performance.

Optimising Preconception Care

Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of infertility and a range of pregnancy complications. It is therefore important to understand how to optimise preconception care to reduce these risks. A reproductive life plan and age-appropriate education on optimising reproductive health is recommended in adolescents and women with PCOS. This should occur across the domains of appropriate nutritional intake (dietary and supplement sources), optimising physical activity, considering the effects of excess weight on fertility and being aware of the effects of substances on fertility. Dietary intake should be consistent with population guidelines for healthy eating with appropriate intake of core food groups and limited intake of discretionary foods high in added sugar, sodium, trans and saturated fats. Recommendations exist for preconception micronutrient supplementation including folic acid and iodine (in the Australian context) with others (e.g., vitamin D, iron, calcium and B12) as per deficiencies or other country specific guidelines. Recommendations for physical activity should also be consistent with general population guidelines comprising moderate intensity physical activity of &gt;150 minutes/week or vigorous intensity physical activity of 75 minutes/week or a combination of both, engaging in muscle strengthening activities [Formula: see text]2 days/week and minimising the amount of time spent in prolonged sitting. The association of excess weight on reduced fertility are recognised from epidemiological literature and current guidelines highlight strategies of modest weight loss at higher BMIs. This is an important and emerging field of literature where future research can elucidate efficacy in randomised controlled trials across different interventions and populations. When working with all women preconception, and in particular women with PCOS, it is important to consider weight stigma, disordered eating and eating disorders when discussing the relationship of infertility and weight and potential modification of weight. Substance use can be considered across limiting high intake of caffeine and avoiding alcohol and illicit substance intake and smoking.

Deep-Learning Based Automatic Ergonomic Assessment Using Webcam Data

Primarily due to increasing computer use, people are spending more and more time sitting in front of a desk every day. However, prolonged sitting has been associated with tiredness, hypertension, and pain in areas like the lower back or shoulders. These symptoms arise for a variety of reasons, but musculoskeletal disorders in particular are largely associated with poor postures. The adverse results caused by poor postures can be controlled with proper training and monitoring. This study attempts to provide automatic ergonomic assessment using only webcam data. Since laptops, desktops, and phones are now widely available and equipped with built-in cameras, this solution is accessible and convenient for most people. More importantly, automatic posture assessment may help to prevent conditions associated with poor posture by giving reminders whenever improper posture occurs. To create our model, we make use of Mediapipe, which provides a solution to identifying keypoint locations from an image. By training our MLP classifier on this key-point data, we achieved a 96.96% test F1 score, indicating that our system serves as a convenient way to assess posture while maintaining high performance. To illustrate our results, we perform a final video classification by overlaying the model’s pre-dictions on each frame.

Sedentary behaviour and related factors in people with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundSedentary behaviour is a major problem in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). However, little is known about the related factors of sedentary behaviour in MS. Our study aimed to examine the association between sedentary behaviour and physical activity level, fear of falling, and fatigue. MethodDemographic and clinical data have been recorded. Sedentary behaviour was assessed with the Marshall Sitting Questionnaire, physical activity level was evaluated with the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire, fear of falling was evaluated with the Fall Efficacy Scale International, and fatigue was evaluated with the modified fatigue impact scale (MFIS). The Timed 25-Foot Walk, 6-Minute Walk Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and 12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale were also used to assess walking and perceived walking disability. ResultsWe recruited 71 pwMS [49 were female (69 %), mean age:38.08 years, median EDSS:1.5]. The mean daily sitting time was 593.54 min (∼10 h). No significant correlation was found between sitting times and demographics, leisure time physical activity, fear of falling, walking, perceived walking disability, and neurological disability level (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that being male increased the risk of sedentary behaviour by 3.08 times, being employed increased the risk of sitting by 4.65 times, and each point increase in MFIS scores resulted in a 1.03-fold elevation in the odds of prolonged sitting. ConclusionThe fact that pwMS, even with a mild disability spend almost 10 h sitting highlights the significance of sedentary behaviour in this population. Developing strategies to address modifiable factors, such as fatigue, may be effective in reducing sedentary behaviour.

Leisure-time physical activity, daily sitting time, and mortality among US skin cancer survivors.

To investigate the long-term effect of sitting time and physical activity after a skin cancer diagnosis. A cohort of a nationally representative sample of skin cancer survivors (n=862) and non-cancer adults (n=13691) ≥50 years from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Mortality data were linked through December 31, 2019. During up to 13.2 years of follow-up (median, 6.3 years; 94,093 person-years), 207 deaths (cancer: 53) occurred in skin cancer survivors and 1970 (cancer: 414) in non-cancer adults. After adjusting for covariates and skin cancer type, being active was associated with lower risks of all-cause (HR=0.69; 95% CI: 0.47 to 1.00) and non-cancer (HR=0.59; 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.97) mortality compared to being inactive among skin cancer survivors. Meanwhile, sitting 8 h/d was associated with higher risks of all-cause (HR=1.72; 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.67) and non-cancer (HR=1.76; 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.92) mortality compared to sitting <6 h/d. In the joint analysis, inactive skin cancer survivors sitting >8 h/d had the highest mortality risks from all-cause (HR=2.26; 95% CI: 1.28 to 4.00) and non-cancer (HR=2.11; 95% CI,1.10 to 4.17). Additionally, the associations of LTPA and sitting time with all-cause and cause-specific mortality did not differ between skin cancer survivors and non-cancer adults (all P for interaction>0.05) CONCLUSION: The combination of prolonged sitting and lack of physical activity was associated with elevated risks of all-cause and non-cancer deaths among US skin cancer survivors. Skin cancer survivors could benefit from maintaining a physically active lifestyle.

Design Strategies for Office Micro-Fitness Behavior under the Health Belief Model

Prolonged sedentary behavior in office settings has become a common trigger for health problems in modern life. This paper, based on the Health Belief Model, aims to provide design strategies for micro-fitness behaviors among office populations. By fostering awareness of health issues, emphasizing the benefits of micro-fitness, enhancing self-efficacy, reducing the cost of micro-fitness, and offering motivation and support, office workers can incorporate simple and feasible micro-fitness activities into their daily work routines. This, in turn, can improve physical activity levels and mitigate the health problems associated with prolonged sitting. This research provides a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the design of office micro-fitness, offering valuable insights into promoting employee health and productivity. However, further optimization and refinement of strategies are needed to enhance employee engagement and the sustainability of these strategies, in order to achieve more ideal outcomes.

Comparisons of lumbosacral kinematics among non-specific chronic low back pain subgroups and healthy during prolonged sitting: A cross-sectional observational study

BackgroundThe literature has suggested a variety of postural changes of the spine that possibly contribute to the increase in back pain during sitting in persons with non-specific chronic low back pain (NS-CLBP). However, the heterogeneity of NS-CLBP persons has made the ability to attribute pain increase to a particular sitting posture very difficult. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare lumbosacral kinematics and their roles in pain increase among homogenous NS-CLBP subgroups and healthy controls over a 1-h sitting period. MethodsTwenty NS-CLBP subjects with motor control impairment [10 classified as having flexion pattern (FP) disorder, and 10 with active extension pattern (AEP) disorder], and 10 healthy controls participated in the study. Subjects underwent a 1-h sitting protocol on a standard office chair. Lumbosacral postures including sacral tilt, third lumbar vertebrae (L3) position, and relative lower lumbar angle were recorded using two-dimensional inclinometers over the 1-h period. Perceived back-pain intensity was measured using a visual analog scale every 10 min throughout the sitting period. ResultsAll study groups (FP, AEP and healthy controls) significantly differed from each other in the measured lumbosacral kinematics at the beginning as well as at the end of the sitting period (p ≤ 0.05). Only the NS-CLBP subgroups showed significant changes in the lumbosacral kinematics across the 1-h sitting period (p < 0.01), and that the directions of change occurred toward end spinal postures (lumbar kyphosis for FP subgroup and lumbar lordosis for the AEP subgroup). In addition, both NS-CLBP subgroups reported a similarly significant increase in pain through mid-sitting (p < 0.001). However, after mid-sitting, the AEP subgroup reported much less increase in pain level that was accompanied by a significant decrease in the lumbar lordotic postures (p = 0.001) compared to FP subgroup. ConclusionThe present study's findings suggest that each NS-CLBP subgroup presented with differently inherent sitting postures. These inherently dysfunctional postures coupled with the directional changes in the lumbosacral kinematics toward the extreme ranges across the 1-h sitting period, might explain the significant increase in pain among subgroups.

Assessment of musculoskeletal disorders and contributing factors in professional drivers

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading global cause of disability and pose a significant public health issue, particularly among professional drivers who are prone to such conditions due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and exposure to whole-body vibrations. The objectives of this study are to assess the demographic, general, lifestyle, and wellness profiles of professional drivers, gauge their work environment characteristics, and measure the proportion of musculoskeletal symptoms using the modified Nordic questionnaire. This descriptive study collected data from 67 professional drivers at major bus stands in Lahore using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The results revealed that the drivers, predominantly middle-aged (average age 39.72 ± 9.53 years) and married (95.52%), reported limited formal education (average 7.56 ± 3.91 years). Lifestyle assessments indicated high rates of smoking (61.19%) and frequent consumption of soft drinks (88.06%). In their work environment, most drivers (68.66%) worked daytime shifts, and a significant proportion (56.72%) experienced vibration exposure. The most frequently reported musculoskeletal symptoms were in the lower back (58.21% in the past 12 months, 43.28% in the past 7 days) and hips/thighs (61.19% in the past 12 months), impacting their ability to work. These findings highlight the critical need for targeted ergonomic and lifestyle interventions to improve the occupational health and safety of drivers, potentially reducing musculoskeletal discomfort and enhancing overall well-being and productivity.

Interrupting sitting acutely attenuates cardiometabolic risk markers in South Asian adults living with overweight and obesity.

This study examined the acute effects of interrupting sitting with light-intensity walking on postprandial cardiometabolic risk markers in South Asian adults. South Asians with overweight/obesity (n = 19; body mass index [BMI] > 23kg·m-2) and normal-weight (n = 8; BMI 18.0-22.9kg·m-2) aged 48.8 ± 5.6years completed two, 5-h conditions: (1) prolonged sitting (SIT), and (2) interrupted sitting with 5-min bouts of light-intensity walking every 30-min (INT-SIT). Blood samples and resting expired air samples were collected throughout each condition. Statistical analyses were completed using linear mixed models. In participants with overweight/obesity, postprandial glucose, triglycerides (TAG) and metabolic load index (MLI) over time were lower, whereas resting substrate utilisation and resting energy expenditure (REE) were higher, in INT-SIT than SIT (all p ≤ 0.05). Compared with SIT (0.18 [95% CI 0.13, 0.22] kcal.min-1), INT-SIT (0.23 [95% CI 0.18, 0.27] kcal.min-1) increased postprandial REE iAUC in participants with overweight/obesity (p = 0.04, d = 0.51). Postprandial TAG concentrations over time were lower in INT-SIT versus SIT (p = 0.01, d = 30) in normal-weight participants, with no differences in any other outcomes for this sample group. These findings suggest that interrupting sitting with 5-min bouts of light walking every 30-min acutely attenuates cardiometabolic risk markers among South Asians living with overweight/obesity, whereas limited effects may be seen in individuals with normal-weight.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and its associated factors among traditional cloth weavers in Chencha district, Gamo zone, Ethiopia, an ergonomic study.

Musculoskeletal disorders at work are common in the majority of African countries. Weaving is very important in Ethiopia for the national economy and for enhancing the country's cultural values. However, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in developing countries is significantly higher in common informal or small-scale enterprises such as weaving. Moreover, little is known about the prevalence and risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in the weaving industry in Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among traditional cloth weavers in Chencha district, Gamo zone, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Chencha district from November 1 to December 30, 2021, using a simple random sampling technique. A total of 420 traditional cloth weavers working in individual households were interviewed. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed on variables with p-values less than 0.025 in the bivariate analysis. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders had been reported in the previous 12 months by approximately 97 (46.9%) of respondents. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders were reported by 76.1% of weavers in the shoulder region, 64.2% in the low back, 56.3% in the neck, and 0.2% in the upper back. Working for more than 10 years (AOR = 5.05, 95%CI: 1.23, 20.77), working with prolonged sitting (AOR = 4.77, 95%CI: 1.37, 16.62), and job dissatisfaction (AOR = 2.41, 95%CI: 1.04, 5.55) were among the determinants of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. As a result, ergonomically oriented weaving workstations are required because the majority of musculoskeletal disorders are caused by poorly designed workstations.

QUANTITATIVE ULTRASOUND AND MRI IMAGING OF THE BUTTOCKS AND THIGHS IN A SEATED POSITION

Pressure ulcers are a common occurrence in individuals with spinal cord injuries, and are attributed to prolonged sitting and limited mobility. This therefore creates the need to better understand soft tissue composition, in the attempt to prevent and treat pressure ulcers. In this study, novel approaches to imaging the soft tissue of the buttocks were investigated in the loaded and unloaded position using ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Twenty-six able-bodied participants (n=26, 13 males and 13 females) were recruited for this study and 1 male with a spinal cord injury. Two visits using US were required, as well as one MRI visit to evaluate soft tissue thickness and composition. US Imaging for the loaded conditions was performed using an innovative chair which allowed image acquisition in the seated upright position and MRI was done in the lateral decubitus position and loading was applied to the buttocks using a newly developed MRI compatible loader. The unloaded condition was a lateral decubitus position. Soft tissue was measured between the peak of the ischial tuberosity (IT) and the proximal femur and skin.Tissue thickness reliability for US was excellent, ICC=0.934–0.981 with no significant differences between the scan days. US and MRI measures of tissue thickness were significantly correlated (r=0.68–0.91). US underestimated unloaded tissue thicknesses with a mean bias of 0.39 – 0.56 for total tissue and muscle + tendon thickness. When the buttocks were loaded, total tissue thickness was reduced by 64.2±9.1%.US assessment of soft tissue thicknesses was reliable in both positions. The unloaded measurements using US were validated with MRI with acceptable limits of agreement, albeit tended to underestimate tissue thickness. Tissue thickness, but not fatty infiltration of muscle played a role in how the soft tissue of the buttocks responded to loading.

Modular Pressure Redistribution Cushion with Proprioceptive Soft–Rigid Hybrid Actuator

Pressure ulcers, which can result from prolonged sitting, pose a significant challenge for wheelchair users. Soft robotics has considerable potential in preventing pressure ulcers. However, current soft robotics, constructed from flexible materials, face limitations including insufficient proprioception and controllability. Herein, a vacuum‐powered proprioceptive soft–rigid hybrid actuator (PSHA) module and a modular pressure redistribution cushion (MPRC) developed using this module are introduced. This PSHA module is capable of detecting both position and force. Each module within the MPRC is equipped with onboard control, proprioceptive sensation, and inter‐module communication. The MPRC incorporates a closed‐loop control system, enabling it to actively redistribute pressure, thereby preventing prolonged compression of local soft tissue during periods of inactivity. The proposed PSHA module, as evidenced in its application in pressure redistribution cushions, offers a promising approach for designs intent on reducing the risk of pressure ulcers. This study significantly contributes to the advancement of assistive technology, with the potential to enhance the quality of life for individuals with immobility or limited mobility.

Low Back Pain in Resident Doctors with Standardized Training in China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent occupational disease with high morbidity among healthcare workers. Since the implementation of standardized residency training in China in 2015, the training intensity has significantly increased, which may lead to a higher incidence of LBP. However, epidemiological studies on LBP among resident doctors with standardized training remain scarce. To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of LBP among resident doctors with standardized training in a tertiary hospital in China. A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires to collect information on demographics, lifestyle factors, work-related factors, and LBP from 345 resident doctors. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the prevalence of LBP. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with LBP. Among 345 participants, the 1-year prevalence of LBP was 75.9%. Multivariable analysis revealed that physical exercise, weekly working hours, and prolonged sitting were independent risk factors for LBP. The prevalence of LBP among resident doctors was high. Promoting physical exercise, controlling working hours, and improving sitting posture may help prevent LBP. The study was limited by its cross-sectional design and self-reported data. Future studies should use longitudinal designs, objective measures, and larger and more representative samples to further explore the epidemiology and etiology of LBP among resident doctors with standardized training.

Evaluating the ergonomic deficiencies in computer workstations and investigating their correlation with reported musculoskeletal disorders and visual symptoms among computer users in Bangladeshi university

BackgroundNowadays, computer users are facing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and visual symptoms. Prolonged sitting in inappropriate, awkward, and static postures on the computer workstation may cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Similarly, inappropriate placement of monitors, illumination, and other factors such as prolonged usage of computers are related to visual symptoms. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the ergonomic deficiencies of computer workstations and their correlation with MSDs and visual symptoms. Methods: This study involved 271 university employees from a Bangladeshi engineering university. Ergonomic deficiencies were evaluated through direct observations and Occupational Safety and Health Administration checklists. In addition, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of MSDs and visual discomforts. Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) analysis was also used to examine the correlation between musculoskeletal symptoms and ergonomic deficiencies. Results: Results showed serious deficiencies in workstation setup, seating arrangement, monitor orientations, keyboard orientations, other input device orientations, and accessory setup. Employees reported that the MSDs in different body regions during the last 12 months including lower back (62 %), upper back (53 %), shoulders (47 %), and neck (25 %). Moreover, itchy eyes (69 %), tired eyes (83 %), and unclear vision (56.83 %) were the most common visual discomforts or visual symptoms among the participants. Results also revealed that monitor ergonomics and its orientation deficits were significantly associated with visual discomforts. Gender, job type, age, BMI, work experience, duration of computer work, and beak taking after 2 h were the independent variables reliably predicting the MSDs and visual symptoms. Conclusion: It is evident that MSDs and visual symptoms were associated with computer workstation deficiencies and other work-related factors.

Abstract 21 — A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence of Non-Specific Neck Pain and Its Association with Lifestyle Factors

Background Non-specific neck and shoulder pain is a prevalent condition among working adults. The surge in remote work and online activities following the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the potential increase in such pain due to prolonged usage of electronic devices. However, recent literature has introduced the possibility that desk-bound computer work may not necessarily correlate with neck and shoulder pain. This study aims to explore the relationship between the severity of neck and shoulder pain and the duration of electric device usage, alongside other lifestyle factors. Methods An online survey was distributed through email and advertisements to individuals aged 21 and above in Singapore. The survey collected data on participant demographics, the extent of neck and shoulder pain experienced, the duration of computer and smartphone usage, as well as lifestyle factors like sleep duration and exercise frequency. The Institutional Review Board approval number of this study is 2023014. Results A total of 268 valid responses were collected, comprising 182 participants experiencing neck and shoulder pain (I group) and 86 participants without such pain (C group). Both groups exhibited similar demographics. Notably, a significant difference was identified in the exercise frequency per week (I = 2.17 days; C = 2.95 days, p &lt; 0.01), while the difference in sitting duration approached statistical significance (I = 7.13 hrs; C = 6.38 hrs, p = 0.085). No statistically significant differences were observed in the duration of smartphone usage (I = 5.19 hrs; C: 4.62 hrs, p = 0.18), computer use (I = 6.24 hrs; C = 5.94 hrs, p = 0.51), and average daily exercise time (I = 1.87 hrs; C = 1.85 hrs, p = 0.99). Within the group experiencing neck and shoulder pain, a significant correlation emerged between pain levels and age (r = 0.19, p = 0.01). Conversely, no significant correlations were detected between pain levels and computer or smartphone usage duration, prolonged sitting, sleep duration, exercise frequency or duration. Conclusion In this ongoing study, preliminary findings indicate that the existence of neck and shoulder pain does not exhibit a significant association with the duration of sitting work, smartphone or computer use. Interestingly, the exercise frequency might have a potential relationship with neck and shoulder pain. Notably, our data demonstrates a weak yet statistically significant correlation between the severity of neck and shoulder pain and the age of participants but not other lifestyle factors.