Sedentary Work Research Articles

The Impact of a 12-Week Workplace Physical Activity Program on the Quality of Life of Sedentary Workers: A Pilot Study

Office workers frequently display behavioral patterns marked by extended periods of sedentary and seated work. In this context, the implementation of a workplace exercise program has been shown to be effective in mitigating health-related risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 12-week workplace exercise program on the quality of life of employees whose primary occupational duties involve prolonged sitting. The final sample comprised 19 participants (6 females and 13 males), aged between 21 and 48 years (M = 32.26; SD = 9.03). Among these participants, 78.9% reported engaging in a hybrid work arrangement, 15.8% followed an on-site work regimen, and 5.3% worked remotely. Furthermore, 84.2% of participants reported sitting for 6 to 8 h per day, while 15.8% reported sitting for between 9 and 12 h daily. The quality of life of participants was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. A paired samples t-test was employed to examine differences between dependent variables. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in general health (p < 0.01), vitality (p < 0.01), social functioning (p < 0.05), and the mental health summary measure (p < 0.04). Promoting physical activity through workplace exercise programs offers substantial benefits for workers’ health and quality of life, contributing to the prevention of occupational diseases.

Combined exercise Intervention protocol validation in sedentary workers health risk with Nonspecific Chronic low back pain People

Background: Most chronic low back pain is nonspecific as the cause of the pain is unknown. Hence exercise protocol focussing on one area of fitness is not appropriate. A general exercise programme that combines muscular strength, flexibility and aerobic fitness would benefit the rehabilitation of Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain and its health risk. The present study aimed to validate the content of the combined exercise intervention protocol. Methods: The development and expert judgement stages are part of the content validation process. The development of the exercise protocol was based on a comprehensive literature review. The protocol was created in a step-by-step progressive manner. Exercises for flexibility (20 minutes), stabilisation and strengthening (20 minutes), and aerobic (20 minutes) make up the three main parts of the exercise protocol. 12 independent professionals with a minimum of 10 years of experience were invited. Ten of the twelve specialists consented to take part in the study. In India, all of the professionals were engaged in orthopaedic and musculoskeletal physical therapy. There are two professors, three associate professors, and five senior physiotherapists among the experts. Responses were gathered by mail. During the validation phase, The Exercise protocol was graded by the experts on relevance and ease of performance using a 5-point scale. After collecting the responses content validity index and kappa values were calculated. Results: 37 out of 39 items in the combined exercise intervention protocol showed good agreement. Treadmill walking with 60-75% and 80% and above target heart rate showed a kappa value of 0.66 for relevance and 0.50 for ease of performance. Conclusions: The designed exercise protocol exhibited good content validity.

Relationship of chronic low back pain intensity with functional activity, stress and quality of life in working-age adults

Background. Low back pain (LBP) is a global problem in the modern world. A detailed study of the relationship between pain intensity and the indicators with which it may be associated will allow optimising approaches to the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with chronic LBP. The purpose was to eva­luate the relationship between the intensity of chronic LBP and indicators of functional activity, stress and quality of life in subjects of working age. Materials and methods. A survey was conducted among 159 persons aged 18-65 years with LBP lasting more than 3 months. Using a Google-form, the participants were given a questionnaire that included socio-demographic, anthropometric characteristics, lifestyle data, bad habits, physical activity (PhA) and stress levels, quality of life, and impairment. The intensity of pain was measured at the first visit to a PhRM doctor using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results. The study involved 159 patients, 65.7 % women and 34.3 % men, with a mean VAS pain intensity of 46.5 ± 18.6 mm. A weak positive correlation was found between pain intensity and age (r = 0.30, p < 0.001), but no significant relationship was found between pain intensity and anthropometric parameters. Subjects who smoke, have insufficient PhA and sleep disturbance had higher pain intensity scores (57.6 ± 15.2 mm (p = 0.04), 49.0 ± 18.8 mm (p = 0.12), 49.7 ± 19.9 mm (p = 0.002), respectively). Sitting time more than 6 hours had significant associations with pain intensity (p < 0.001). A weak positive correlation was found between pain intensity on the VAS scale and stress le­vel (r = 0.24, p = 0.002), a moderate positive correlation between pain intensity and impairment (r = 0.36, p < 0.001) and a mo­derate negative correlation between quality of life and pain intensity. ­Conclusions. There was a significant association between pain intensity and age, smoking, sleep disturbance, sedentary work for more than 6 hours, higher stress levels, impaired functioning and lower quality of life.

Impact of yoga on the cognitive function among desk‐based workers

IntroductionProlonged sitting negatively impacts cognitive functions, such as working memory and inhibitory control. As sedentary behaviour rises in workplaces, interventions like yoga breaks, which combine physical activity and mindfulness, may mitigate these effects. While specific research on yoga breaks is limited, related studies suggest potential cognitive benefits. MethodsThis prospective, single-centre crossover trial took place from September 2022 to January 2023 at the Radiology Lab, KMC Manipal. Participants experienced three sessions: uninterrupted sitting, pranayama breaks, and yoga breaks, each lasting four hours. Executive functions were assessed hourly using computer-based tests (Eriksen’s Flanker Test and N-Back Test). Statistical analyses included repeated measures ANOVA and Friedman’s test. ResultsParticipants, with a mean age of 30.24 years, showed fastest reaction times during the yoga intervention in the Flanker Test, followed by pranayama and sitting. However, accuracy did not significantly differ between groups in both tests.Reaction times decreased significantly from the 0th to the 2nd and 4th hours in the Flanker Test, but not between the 2nd and 4th hours. In the N-Back test, accuracy declined over time for all interventions, without significant group differences. ConclusionYoga and pranayama breaks potentially improve reaction times during prolonged sitting but do not significantly impact accuracy in cognitive tasks. These findings suggest that while activity breaks can enhance certain cognitive functions, further research is needed to optimize interventions for cognitive health in sedentary work environments.

State of Adenosine Deaminase in Patients with Dyslipidemia

ABSTRACT: Background: Dyslipidemia is becoming more common across all age groups mainly in young individuals because of imbalanced diets, low physical activity, and sedentary work culture. Several studies reported that elevated serum adenosine deaminase activity was associated with dyslipidemia, but the results were not consistent. Aim: It is aimed to correlate adenosine deaminase and lipid profile parameters in patients with dyslipidemia. Material and Methods: In this case-control study, a total of 60 subjects (30 diagnosed dyslipidemia patients and 30 age and gender-matched healthy individuals) were enrolled. Serum lipid profile parameters and adenosine deaminase levels were estimated in each subject. Results: The mean levels of lipid profiles, mainly triacylglycerol (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and adenosine deaminase, were found to be significantly high, while high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was found significantly low in cases than controls (p <0.001). adenosine deaminase has not shown any significant correlation with lipid profile parameters in patients with dyslipidemia and controls. Conclusion: The result showed that the serum adenosine deaminase and serum lipid profile levels were altered in patients with dyslipidemia.

MANAGEMENT OF KITIBHA KUSTHA WITH SHODHAN SHAMAN – A CASE STUDY

All the skin diseases in Ayurveda have been discussed under the broad heading of “Kustha” and are mainly affected by altered lifestyles and improper food habits. Kitibh Kustha’s prevalence in society is increasing daily due to sedentary and stressed work. The signs & symptoms of the Kitibh Kustha are like psoriasis, and there is no definite curative treatment for psoriasis according to modern science. But following the classical reference of Kustha Chikitsa, which is ‘Tridoshaj Vyadhi’ from Charak Samhita was with ‘Shodhan chikitsa’ (body purification treatment) followed by ‘Shaman Chikitsa’ (alleviating treatment), this disease could be managed [1,2] . This paper highlights a case study of Kitibh Kustha where, a 31-year-old male with a chief complaint of Kandu (itching) and dry silvery white patches all over his body, taking steroids for four years. Vaman and Virechan were conducted after proper Poorva Karma, and afterwards, Sansarjan Karma was given to the patient according to Suddhi as mentioned in Charak Samhita. This was followed by three settings of Raktmoskhan and Shaman Chikitsa.

Lifestyle intervention in workers with obesity and sedentary behavior: A pilot study for the “OTTiMo LavorO” project

BACKGROUND: Workplace barriers to physical activity (PA) and sedentary work contribute to obesity. Workplace lifestyle interventions are needed to reduce sedentary behavior. OBJECTIVE: The study evaluates the effects of a self-monitoring PA protocol plus diet on general health of workers with obesity. METHODS: Thirty-nine workers affected by obesity were enrolled in this pilot intervention study. Monthly and daily PA diary, six-minute walking test (6MWT), Short Form-36 health survey (SF-36), and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) results were evaluated prior (T0) and at the end of the study (T1). A personalized low-calorie diet based on the Mediterranean diet model was also implemented. Participants followed the protocol from one to three months depending on the date of recruitment. RESULTS: Significant improvements in SF36 and GPAQ scores were recorded, along with reductions in sedentary activity, weight, and BMI (p < 0.001). 6MWT significantly increased from 462.5 [412.5–500] m at T0 to 500 [462.5–550] m at T1 (p < 0.001). A multiple linear regression analysis to investigate the impact of selected covariates (PA, body weight reduction, and sedentary time) on the 6MWT was significant in men. CONCLUSIONS: PA self-monitoring protocols and diets are effective and sustainable for workplace interventions. PA should be part of daily medical practice and occupational physicians should encourage behavioral changes in workers.

The deflection of fatigued neck

The human neck is a unique mechanical structure, highly flexible but fatigue prone. The rising prevalence of neck pain and chronic injuries has been attributed to increasing exposure to fatigue loading in activities such as prolonged sedentary work and overuse of electronic devices. However, a causal relationship between fatigue and musculoskeletal mechanical changes remains elusive. This work aimed to establish this relationship through a unique experiment design, inspired by a cantilever beam mechanical model of the neck, and an orchestrated deployment of advanced motion-force measurement technologies including dynamic stereo-radiographic imaging. As a group of 24 subjects performed sustained-till-exhaustion neck exertions in varied positions-neutral, extended, and flexed, their cervical spine musculoskeletal responses were measured. Data verified the occurrence of fatigue and revealed fatigue-induced neck deflection which increased cervical lordosis or kyphosis by 4-5° to 11°, depending on the neck position. This finding and its interpretations render a renewed understanding of muscle fatigue from a more unified motor control perspective as well as profound implications on neck pain and injury prevention.

Emotional Eating on Sedentary Workers: Is It Caused by Individual Characteristics, Exercise Habits, and Work Stress?

Introduction:Emotional eating is a person's response to stress or inadequate and ineffective stress coping and is shown by the behavior of eating more than needed and is associated with increased body weight. Emotional eating is caused by age, gender, exercise habits, and work stress. Based on the observations carried out at Kalla Group Office, employees tend to work in a monotonous and static manner that has the potential to increase the risk of emotional eating. The aim of this research is to determine the strength and weakness of the correlation between age, gender, exercise habits, and work stress with emotional eating in Kalla Head Office workers. Methods: This quantitative research was carried out through analytical observational design. The number of samples taken is 133 people using purposive sampling. In this case, the independent variables measured are age, gender, exercise habits, and work stress. Meanwhile, the dependent variable studied is the level of emotional eating using "The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire of 13 items (DEBQ-13)". Data were further analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficient test (Spearman rho). Results: The research results show varied relationship with the independent variables including age (r = 0.052), gender (r = 0.251), exercise habits (r = -0.128), and stress (r = 0.048). Conclusion: Age is a variable that has the weakest relationship, while gender has the strongest relationship with emotional eating compared to the variables exercise habits and work stress.

Evolution of research related to how a sedentary lifestyle influences the aging process: a bibliometric review

Abstract Aim The world’s population suffers greatly from sedentary lifestyles, which are becoming more common as a result of factors such as a lack of easily accessible places to exercise, a rise in sedentary work practices such as office work, and the pervasive use of television and video devices. Consequently, associated health problems are escalating. The primary goal of this study was to examine the state and features of current trends in international publications regarding the effects of sedentary behavior on the elderly. Subject and methods A bibliometric analysis spanning the years 1994–2022, identifying a total of 311 documents, was carried out using the Web of Science Core Collection. Results The findings showed an exponential increase of 79% from 1997 to the present. The most productive journal categories, authors, and countries were Geriatrics & Gerontology and Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; authors S. Amagasa, N. Fukushima, S. Inoue, and H. Kikuchi; and the United States, respectively. Considerable variation was found in the keywords; “aging” and “sedentary lifestyle” were the most frequent terms, with 97 and 37 instances, respectively. Conclusion Maximum investment in programs promoting physical activity is necessary to improve quality of life as people age. Participants’ mental health will improve as a result of these programs, and their risk of illness will decrease.

Determinanten für ein günstiges Sitzund Bewegungsverhalten in der Präsenzarbeit im Büro und im Homeoffice

Determinants of favourable sitting and movement behaviour when working in the office and at home – results of an interview study (SITFLEX-2) Objective: Office workers spend about 70 % of their working time seated. Sitting for more than 8h per day is associated with health problems such as hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus. This study aims to reveal what office workers, in interview, consider to be the facilitators and barriers to breaking up sitting time in the office and when working remotely, and to make recommendations based on their insights. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 employees performing sedentary work in an international company. The analysis was carried out using Mayring’s content analysis on the basis of the COM-B model of behaviour (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour). The modified model of possible determinants of sedentary behaviour in the work context was used to identify preliminary guidance for enabling healthier sedentary behaviour at work. Results: The interviews indicate that awareness of the importance of sitting breaks and movement, and their association with health, was a prerequisite for promoting healthy behaviour. In addition to spatial and social incentives, work task organisation that allows employees to take a break from sitting is perceived as beneficial. Spatial and social incentives are often particularly lacking when working from home. Regardless of the working environment, a work culture that supports and encourages sitting breaks and movement is important. There are several barriers to this. Sitting at a desk for long periods of time, for instance, is perceived to be associated with higher productivity, while time pressure masks physical sensations so that sitting breaks are often forgotten. Conclusions: Due to the increasing prevalence of working from home, there is a clear need for appropriate procedures and a working culture that promote breaks from sitting and movement during remote work. Keywords: sedentary behaviour – sitting interruptions – movement promotion – qualitative research – interviews

Association between work productivity and characteristics of adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia: an analysis of the XLH disease monitoring program.

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare, genetic, progressive, phosphate-wasting disorder that causes skeletal morbidities, stiffness, pain, and impaired physical function. This study used baseline data from the XLH Disease Monitoring Program to evaluate relationships between work productivity and patient characteristics (demographics, medical history, patient-reported, and functional outcomes) in adults with XLH. Bivariate analysis guided the selection of variables for multivariate analysis after adjustment for multicollinearity and conceptual overlap. The analysis comprised 281 subjects (75.4% female; 80.8% from USA; median age 39.2yr); 53.4% were employed full-time and 31.3% were not employed; 15.3% were receiving disability payments; 47.0% were taking burosumab at study entry. Most employed subjects were working full-time outside the home (69.9%) and in light or sedentary roles (59.6%). In multivariate analyses, patients with fewer orthopedic surgeries (odds ratio [OR] 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81-0.96; p=.002) and better Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function scores (OR 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02-1.15; p=.013) were more likely to be in full-time employment than not employed. Younger patients (OR 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99; p=.014) and those with fewer orthopedic surgeries (OR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73-0.95; p=.008) were more likely to be in medium than light or sedentary work. Those with worse WOMAC Pain scores were more likely to be doing heavy/very heavy than light or sedentary activity (OR 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07; p=.006). Full-time employment levels are low in adults of working age with XLH, and unemployment and disability payment rates are high, suggesting that XLH has a substantial impact on work productivity. Worse physical function and a greater number of orthopedic surgeries are associated with lower work productivity. Worse pain, higher number of orthopedic surgeries, and younger age are associated with heavier work roles; however, causality was not specifically investigated.

Navigating Tensions in the Organizational Change Process towards Hybrid Workspace

ABSTRACT This article examines the change process of implementing hybrid workspace within organizations. Hybrid workspace involves employees working from multiple locations and has become an important topic during and after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This study aims to better understand the tensions emerging in the change process towards hybrid workspace and the responses by organizational members. Drawing on a case study of a major bank in Paris, this study finds four relevant tensions that emerge when implementing hybrid workspace: (1) connecting with vs. disconnecting from others, (2) agile vs. sedentary work, (3) paperless vs. paper-based working, and (4) telework vs. corporate space routines. These findings contribute to reshaping workspace literature by viewing organizational change through a tension lens while connecting different micro-processes of the planned change. Furthermore, this study contributes to the debates on hybrid workspace by viewing space as an ongoing process, through the dynamic interaction between individuals and technology in producing hybrid workspace. MAD statement This article aims to Make a Difference (MAD) by viewing hybrid workspaces and organizational change as mutually constituted in a process connecting technology and human agency. This study provides important contributions by identifying possible tensions that might emerge in the implementation of hybrid workspace. By revealing employees’ responses to each tension, we provide practitioners with insights into discrepancies among planning, implementing, and the daily use of hybrid workspace, and into creative ways to transcend oppositions. To improve employees’ well-being and reduce inequalities at work, we call for a managerial shift from disregarding or eliminating sources of tensions to managing them.

Biophilic Design in Office Buildings: A Salutogenic Approach to Enhancing Well-being in the Built Environment

This research paper explores biophilic design principles in office buildings, focusing on promoting well-being andcreating salutogenic environments. It investigates key aspects of biophilic design, such as natural light, views of nature,indoor plants, and natural materials, and their impact on occupant well-being and productivity. The study uses a mixedmethods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with office employees. The resultsreveal that biophilic design elements significantly contribute to improved well-being, including increased jobsatisfaction, reduced stress levels, and enhanced productivity. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporatingbiophilic design strategies in office buildings to create salutogenic environments that enhance employee well-being. Ithighlights the significance of natural elements in mitigating the negative effects of a sedentary work environment. Theresearch contributes to the field by providing empirical evidence supporting the implementation of biophilic design inoffices, emphasizing the benefits of a connection with nature for well-being and productivity.

An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Strengthening or Stretching Exercises in Patients Performing Prolonged Sedentary Work with Non-Specific Lower Back Pain.

Non-specific LBP refers to back pain which arises from the spine, intervertebral discs and surrounding soft tissues in the absence of pathologic lesions. Most cases of non-specific LBP are not the result of a single injury from a high load, but the result of repetitive, cumulative micro-injuries. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of strengthening, stretching and mixed exercises in patients with non-specific LBP and their impact on pain intensity. We analysed 90 patients with non-specific LBP who performed prolonged sedentary work. Patients were qualified following history-taking, a physical examination and radiological evaluation if no pathology had been revealed on examination or on the available diagnostic imaging scans. The participants were randomly divided into 3 groups of 30 individuals each. The patients in each group performed one type of exercise (strengthening, stretching, mixed) for a period of 3 months. Both before starting and on completion of the exercise period, the patients were assessed with an original questionnaire as well as the Rolland-Morris, Oswestry and SF-12 scoring systems. Strengthening exercises were the most effective in reducing pain; on completion of the exercise period, pain assessed with the NRS scale was 2 points in the strengthening exercise group, 3 points, in the mixed group, and 4 points in the stretching group. The SF-12 questionnaire showed an improvement in the patients' health (increase in "excellent" and "very good" scores from 7% to 60%). According to the Oswestry disability questionnaire, strengthening exercises were the most effective (mean disability score of 4). 1. The use of strengthening exercises in patients with non-specific LBP most effectively improves function and reduces back pain. 2. The use of stretching and mixed exercises in patients with non-specific LBP improves function and reduces back pain, but to a lesser extent than strengthening exercises.

Association of accelerometer measured sedentary behavior patterns with cognitive functions in sedentary office workers: Insights from SMART-STEP study

BACKGROUND: High levels of sedentary behavior in workplaces are currently recognized as an independent risk factor for cognitive dysfunction and poor mental health. However, sedentary patterns vary between workdays and non-workdays, which may influence cognitive functions. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to quantify and compare work and nonwork device-measured sedentary time (ST) and its association with cognitive function in Indian office workers. METHODS: In an ongoing randomized controlled trial (SMART-STEP), the baseline data of 136 full-time office workers, including accelerometer-measured sedentary patterns and cognitive functions, were analyzed. The ST was measured using a hip-worn accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X-BT) for seven days, and executive functions were measured using computer-based tests. Linear regression models were employed to analyze the relationships between ST and executive function measures. RESULTS: The median daily ST of Indian office workers was 11.41 hours. The ST was greater on both workdays (11.43 hrs.) and non-workdays (11.14 hrs.) though different (F = 6.76, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.032). Office workers accumulate more prolonged sitting bouts (+21.36 min) during work days than non-workdays. No associations between device-measured ST and executive functions were observed. CONCLUSION: Indian office workers exhibited high ST patterns, especially on workdays. Although lower than workdays, Indian office workers exhibited more ST patterns during non-workdays than did their Western counterparts. Culturally adaptable workplace and leisure time physical activity interventions are needed to address the high ST of Indian office workers.

Changes in Metabolic and Inflammatory Markers after a Combined Exercise Program in Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

We investigated the effects of a 16-week combined exercise training on body composition, metabolic and inflammatory markers in sedentary middle-aged workers. We also assessed whether significant alterations in metabolic markers were associated with changes in health-related outcomes. This randomized controlled trial involved 46 participants randomly allocated into control and exercise groups. The exercise group performed 16-week combined aerobic and resistance training for 75 min/session, 3 times/week. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and after 16-week intervention to determine lipid profile, metabolic and inflammatory markers as primary outcomes. A total of 36 participants completed the intervention (53.70 ± 6.92 years old) (n = 18 in each group). Waist circumference (interaction effect: F = 7.423, p = 0.002), fat mass (interaction effect: F = 5.070, p = 0.011), and muscle mass (interaction effect: F = 5.420, p = 0.007) were improved in the exercise group compared to the control group. Fasting glucose increased after the 16-week follow-up (time effect: F = 73.253, p < 0.001), without an intergroup difference. Insulin levels were greater in the control compared to exercise group (group effect: F = 6.509, p = 0.015). The control group tended to increase the HOMA-IR index (interaction effect: F = 3.493, p = 0.070) and to decrease the QUICKI index (interaction effect: F = 3.364, p = 0.075) to a greater extent compared to the exercise group. Exercise group reduced leptin (interaction effect: F = 11.175, p = 0.002) and adiponectin (interaction effect: F = 4.437, p = 0.043) concentrations in a greater magnitude than control group. IL-6 (time effect: F = 17.767, p < 0.001) and TNF-α (time effect: F = 9.781, p = 0.004) concentrations decreased after the intervention, without an intergroup difference. IL-17A levels increased in the control compared to exercise group (interaction effect: F = 5.010, p = 0.033). Effects on adiponectin, IL-6 and IL-17A levels seem to depend on baseline BMI, age, and sex. Percentage changes in leptin correlated positively with changes in HOMA-IR index in the exercise (r = 0.565, p = 0.015) and control (r = 0.670, p = 0.002) groups. A combined training program can be an effective strategy to improve body composition and inflammatory markers and prevent marked reductions in insulin sensitivity among middle-aged workers.

The Digital Economy and Hybrid Work Call for a Review of Compensation Criteria for Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) pose a significant occupational health challenge in Europe. The digitization of the economy substantially reshaped the nature and organization of work. The proliferation of hybrid working, characterized by a combination of office-based and remote work, has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This review covers hybrid forms of work, their impact on WRMSDs, and the potential implications for WRMSD compensation. Approximately 30-40% of the European workforce could potentially transition to hybrid forms of work. Hybrid work arrangements can result in prolonged static postures of the trunk, neck, and upper limbs without adequate breaks, thereby increasing the risk of neck and lower back pain. As teleworking and hybrid working become more prevalent, an increase in non-specific WRMSDs is anticipated among the working population. In many countries, claims for WRMSDs necessitate a formal diagnosis by a healthcare professional. However, cases of non-specific WRMSDs, such as cervicalgia or chronic shoulder pain, - commonly observed in sedentary workers engaged in predominantly low-intensity, prolonged static work amid visually and cognitively demanding tasks - often do not meet the criteria for compensation as occupational diseases. The compensation system and/or the criteria for compensation must be adapted to accommodate the rise of telework, necessitating evolving criteria for compensation that address both medical and risk exposure considerations.

Evaluation of the Association Between Sedentary Time and Low Work Engagement in the Work Environment After COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Japanese Workers.

Introduction The global shift towardworking from homedue to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to concerns about increased sedentary behavior and its potential impact on work engagement, a critical factor for employee well-being and organizational productivity. This study aims to explore the association between sedentary time and work engagement among workers in Japan in the post-pandemic work environment. Methods This cross-sectional analysis utilized data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey (JACSIS), conducted from September to November 2023, after the COVID-19 pandemic period. Participants included employed individuals over 18 years, excluding those in domestic occupations. Sedentary time and work engagement were self-reported and categorized. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders such as socioeconomic status, work characteristics, and mental and physical health was employed to explore this association. Results The study found a significant association between longer sedentary time and lower levels of work engagement. In particular, for desk workers, longer sedentary time was associated with lower work engagement (sedentary time, compared to the reference category "<4 hours/day", 4 to <8 h: OR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.25-1.60; 8 to <12 h: OR 1.77, 95% CI: 1.55-2.01; ≥12 h or unknown: OR 2.14, 95% CI: 1.80-2.51, respectively). Sensitivity analysis confirmed that these results are robust to different definitions of work engagement. Furthermore, analyses in subgroups of desk workers classified according to specific characteristics suggested that desk workers who are full-time workers in non-managerial positions and work from home ≥4 days per week were more strongly associated with prolonged sedentary behavior and low work engagement (in the group of full-time workers who were non-managers, sedentary time, compared to the reference category "<4hours/day", 4 to <8 h: OR 2.14, 95% CI: 1.52-3.00; 8 to <12 h: OR 2.10, 95% CI: 1.46-3.00; ≥12 h or unknown: OR 3.32, 95% CI: 1.99-6.05; in those with work-from-home frequency of ≥4 days weekly, sedentary time, compared to the reference category "<4 hours/day", 4 to <8 h: OR 1.46, 95% CI: 0.99-2.16; 8 to <12 h: OR 1.73, 95% CI: 1.19-2.56; ≥12 h or unknown: OR 2.41, 95% CI: 1.58-3.67). Conclusions This study revealed a significant association between sedentary time and low work engagement among workers in Japanafter the COVID-19 pandemic. In the future, prospective studies are needed to confirm the causal associations between the two, using more validated measures of sedentary behavior.

Prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among bank workers at Hawassa city, Northern Zone, Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundLower back pain (LBP) is a public health threat that affects people who frequently experience sedentary working conditions. Few studies reported on low back pain among bank workers in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the magnitude and associated factors of low back pain among bank workers in Hawassa City, Sidama Region, Ethiopia.MethodsThis institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 20, 2023, to June 30, 2023. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select participants, and data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire, entered into Epidata version 4.6, and transferred to SPSS version 25 for further analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent predictors of lower back pain.ResultsOf the 627 total study participants, six hundred seven bank workers participated in the study, with a response rate of 96.8%. The overall magnitude of lower back pain among the study population was 55.2%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI 51.1–59). Based on the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, being in a manager position (AOR = 3.85; 95% CI = (1.2,12), a level 2 banker (AOR = 3.8; 95% CI = (1.9,8.9), age 30–39 years (AOR = 4; 95% CI = (2,12.4), an age ≥ 40 years (AOR = 5.4; 95% CI= (3.04,16.3), working in sufficient space (AOR = 0.4; 95% CI = (0.3,0.9), and physical activity (AOR = 0.2; 95% CI = (0.1,0.8)) were significantly associated with low back pain.ConclusionThe prevalence of low back pain among the bank workers was high in the study area. Being in a managerial position, being a level two banker, being aged 30–39 years, being aged ≥ 40 years, working in sufficient space, and engaging in physical activity were significantly associated. Therefore, it is essential to establish a health screening team, create awareness programs for the benefit of physical activity, provide sufficient working space, and give special attention to elderly and senior bankers and bank managers to reduce the risk of developing low back pain.