Effect of a 'spine offloading' chair design on seated height and posture

Innovative seated vertical lumbar traction allows simultaneous computer work while inducing spinal height changes similar to supine lying

BACKGROUND

Lumbar intervertebral disc height loss has been associated with spinal height change (SHC) and low back pain (LBP), including stenosis. Non-invasive methods to improve disc height loss require forms of lying down, which are unconducive to computer work.

OBJECTIVE

Intermittent vertical traction (VT) integrated with seated computer work may provide ergonomic alternatives for increasing SHC to promote LBP relief. The primary aim was to develop and introduce a safe VT prototype and dosage to induce and measure SHC. Prototype comfort and LBP ratings were exploratory secondary aims.

METHODS

Forty-one participants were stadiometry-measured for pre- and post-intervention SHC from seated VT at 35% body weight removed, supine lying (SL), and sitting at a computer (SIT) without VT. Pain ratings were recorded for those self-reporting LBP. VT prototype evaluations were compiled from a 3-question, 7-point Likert-style survey.

RESULTS

SHC increased by 3.9 ± 3.4 mm in VT, 1.7 ± 3.4 mm in SIT, and 4.3 ± 3.1 mm in SL (P< 0.000). Post hoc findings were significant between VT and SIT (P< 0.000), and SL and SIT (P< 0.000). VT and SL LBP ratings both decreased, but not SIT.

CONCLUSION

Intermittent seated VT is a promising alternative for postural relief during seated computer work, producing SHC similar to lying down without compromising workflow.