The Relationship Between Sedentary Behavior, Back Pain, and Psychosocial Correlates Among University Employees

Traditional versus dynamic sitting: Lumbar spine kinematics and pain during computer work and activity guided tasks

Dynamic sitting may mitigate low back pain during prolonged seated work. The current study compared pelvis and lumbar spine kinematics, pain, and work productivity, in traditional and dynamic sitting. Sixteen participants completed three 20-min blocks of computer work and activity guided tasks in a traditional office chair or backless and multiaxial rotating seat pan while kinematics were measured from accelerometers on the low back. Pain ratings were recorded on a visual analogue scale every 10 min. Similar pelvis and lumbar kinematics emerged when performing computer work in traditional and dynamic sitting. Pelvis and lumbar sagittal and frontal plane shifts and fidgets were largest for dynamic sitting in the activity guided tasks. Buttocks pain was higher in dynamic sitting, but low back pain and work productivity were unaffected. Dynamic sitting increased spine movement during activity guided tasks, without negatively impacting lumbar kinematics, low back pain, or productivity during seated computer work.

Associations between back pain incidence, and physical activity and sedentary behaviours: A prospective cohort study with data from over 365,000 participants

OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between (i) various types of physical activity and the risk of back pain incidence, and (ii) the influence of substituting sedentary behaviours with physical activities on back pain incidence. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. METHODS: We analyzed UK Biobank data collected from 365,307 participants who were free of back pain at baseline. The exposures were total, light, moderate and vigorous physical activity, and sedentary behaviours. The outcome was back pain incidence. The main statistical models were the Cox proportional hazard model and the isotemporal substitution model. RESULTS: In the follow-up time (median, 12.97 years; inter-quartile range, 12.10-13.71), 25,189 individuals developed back pain. The associations between all types of physical activity and incident back pain were significantly non-linear (p < 0.001) among the general population and other subgroups. High physical activity was associated with a decreased risk of back pain compared with no physical activity. The lowest risk occurred in the 1801-2400 MET-min/week subgroup of total physical activity (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.59-0.69), approximately consisting of 1200, 600, and 600 MET-min/week of light, moderate and vigorous physical activity, respectively. Extremely high vigorous physical activity was related to high risk, specifically in males (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.25). Replacing 1 hour/day of sedentary behaviours with an equal time of physical activity reduced the risk of incident back pain by 2%-8% (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Physical activity was related to a reduced risk of back pain incidence (except over-high vigorous physical activity). Substituting sedentary behaviours with physical activities reduced the risk of future back pain.

Exercise interventions for nonspecific low back pain: a bibliometric analysis of global research from 2018 to 2023

Objective

This study aims to explore global research trends on exercise interventions for nonspecific low back pain from 2018 to 2023 through bibliometric analysis.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection database to select relevant research articles published between 2018 and 2023. Using CiteSpace and VOSviewer, the relationships and impacts among publications, different countries, journals, author groups, references, and keywords were analyzed in depth.

Results

The bibliometric analysis included 4,896 publications, showing a trend of initial growth followed by a decline. At the national level, the United States made the most significant contributions in this field. The journal "Lancet" had three of the top 10 most-cited articles, with an average citation count of 306.33, and an impact factor reaching 168.9 in 2023. The analysis also revealed that "disability," "prevalence," and "management" were high-frequency keywords beyond the search terms, while "rehabilitation medicine," "experiences," and "brain" emerged as new hotspots in the research.

Conclusion

This study reveals the global trends in research on exercise interventions for nonspecific low back pain over the past 5 years and highlights potential research frontiers in the field. These findings provide a solid foundation for focusing on key issues, potential collaboration directions, and trends in research development in the future, offering valuable references for further in-depth studies.

Effective management of sedentary behavior among Indian university students: An empirical exploration into health-related behavior

BACKGROUND

The past few years have witnessed a notable rise in sedentary tendencies, unveiling a modern era of prolonged stillness and diminished physical engagement. This study sought to assess the feasibility of a digital health intervention (DHI) to reduce overall sedentary behavior among university students. The study also identifies distinct subgroups within Indian universities that exhibit a heightened propensity for engaging in unhealthy behaviors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The research design used was a quasi-experimental (pre-post) design. A total of 500 participants were selected using a simple randomized sampling method (250 belonging to the control group and 250 belonging to the experimental group). These participants actively engaged in the study for 2 weeks. The participants completed the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ) before the intervention to evaluate their level of sedentary behavior. To evaluate the impact of the intervention on subjectively measured sedentary behavior, statistical analyses were conducted using the paired-samples t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with the post hoc Bonferroni test.

RESULTS

The findings demonstrated a significant t-value of sedentary behavior for the entire group, with t(249) = 4.88, P < .05. Furthermore, the F-value of 28.787 indicated a statistically significant difference in the sedentary behavior between the experimental and control groups. When considering female university students specifically, the t-value for sedentary behavior was significant at t(105) = 3.22, P < .05, and for male university students, the t-value for sedentary behavior was found to be significant at t(143) = 3.69, P < .05.

CONCLUSION

Smartphone-based health interventions targeting sedentary behavior reduction demonstrated promising outcomes in facilitating health behavior change among university students.

The effect of commuting time on burnout: the mediation effect of musculoskeletal pain

OBJECTIVES

This study explores the relationship among commuting, musculoskeletal (MS) pain, and burnout.

METHODS

An observational and cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical university-affiliated hospital in Taichung, Taiwan in 2021. The two questionnaire was used and they included the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). All participants were invited to complete the cross-sectional survey. A multiple linear regression was assessed correlations between commuting, MS pain, and burnout.

RESULTS

After excluding those with missing data, 1,615 healthcare workers were deemed valid as research participants. In multiple linear regression, commuting time longer than 50 min was associated with personal burnout (PB) in the presence of adjusted confounders; however, long commuting time was not associated with work-related burnout (WB). Furthermore, the choice of commuting method did not affect PB or WB. Notably, both neck and shoulder pain (NBSP) and ankle pain (BAP) increase the risk of PB and WB. The mediation analysis demonstrated that NBSP is a mediating factor, increasing the level of PB and WB for commuting times longer than 50 min.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare workers who commute for more than 50 min should be considered part of a high-risk group for burnout and musculoskeletal pain. They should also be provided with resources and programs focused on burnout prevention and MS pain relief.

Unhealthy behaviors associated with mental health disorders: a systematic comparative review of diet quality, sedentary behavior, and cannabis and tobacco use

Background

There are well-established literatures documenting the associations between mental disorders and unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet quality, sedentary behavior, and cannabis and tobacco use. Few studies have attempted to understand the respective findings in light of each other, however.

Objective

The purpose of this review was to assemble comparable data for each behavior-disorder association and assess the associations in terms of their overall strength. The review aimed to include a representative, but not exhaustive, range of studies that would allow for explorative comparisons.

Methods

Eligible studies were identified via Pubmed searches and citation searching, restricted to publications no older than 2015 written in English. To obtain comparable data, only studies that reported findings as odds ratios were included, and risk of bias related to study samples, behavioral measurement disparities, and control variables was assessed via sensitivity analyses. Findings for each disorder were compared on the basis of different measures of central tendency.

Results

From 3,682 records, 294 studies were included. The review found evidence of associations between each of the four unhealthy behaviors and psychosis, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while personality disorder was only investigated in relation to cannabis and tobacco use. In overall comparison, the associations were generally of similar strength, and only the association between cannabis use and personality disorder was exceptional in terms of being significantly stronger than its counterparts across disorders and across behaviors. Analyses of bias risk identified some influence from behavioral measurement disparities and lack of adequate statistical control, but findings were generally robust across a range of sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

This explorative and comparative review found that poor diet quality, sedentary behavior, and cannabis and tobacco use are about equally strongly associated with a range of different mental disorders. Given the general nature of these associations, we should probably understand them to reflect a general and shared etiology. However, the findings in this review should be regarded as tentative until confirmed by more comprehensive investigations.

Āsana for Back, Hips and Legs to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Professionals: In-Office Yóga Protocol

Dental professionals are exposed to significant unavoidable physical stress, and theoretical ergonomic recommendations for a sitting workplace are inapplicable in many dental activities. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a serious health problem among dental professionals (prevalence: 64-93%), showing involvement of 34-60% for the low back and 15-25% for the hips. Muscle stress; prolonged sitting; forward bending and twisting of the torso and head; unbalanced working postures with asymmetrical weight on the hips and uneven shoulders; and others are inevitable for dental professionals. Therefore, the approach for the prevention and treatment of WMSDs must be therapeutic and compensatory. This project was conceived to provide a Yoga protocol for dental professionals to prevent or treat WMSDs from a preventive medicine perspective, and it would represent a Yoga-based guideline for the self-cure and prevention of musculoskeletal problems.

METHODS

Specific Yoga positions (āsana, such as Virāsana, Virabhadrāsana, Garudāsana, Utkatāsana, Trikonāsana, Anuvittāsana, Chakrāsana, Uttanāsana, Pashimottanāsana) have been selected, elaborated on and adapted to be practiced in a dental office using a dental stool or the dental office walls or a dental unit chair. The protocol is specifically devised for dental professionals (dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants) and targeted for the low back, hips and legs (including knees and ankles). The protocol includes Visranta Karaka Sthiti (supported positions) in sitting (Upavistha Sthiti) and standing (Utthistha Sthiti) positions, twisting/torsions (Parivrtta), flexions/forward bend positions (Pashima) and extensions/arching (Purva) for musculo-articular system decompression and mobilization.

RESULTS

Over 60 Yogāsana-specifically ideated for back detensioning and mobilization, lumbar lordosis restoration, trunk side elongation, hip release and leg stretches and decontraction-are shown and described. The paper provides a meticulous description for each position, including the detailed movement, recommendations and mistakes to avoid, and the breathing pattern (breath control) in all the breath-driven movements (āsana in vinyāsa). An exhaustive analysis of posture-related disorders affecting the lower body among dental professionals is reported, including low-back pain, hip pain and disorders, piriformis syndrome and quadratus femoris dysfunction (gluteal pain), iliopsoas syndrome, multifidus disorders, femoroacetabular and ischiofemoral impingement, spinopelvic mobility, lumbopelvic rhythm, impairment syndromes, lower crossed syndrome, leg pain, knee pain and ankle disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

A detailed guideline of āsana for low-back decompression, hip joint destress, piriformis and gluteal muscle release, lumbar lordosis recovery and a spinopelvic mobility increase has been elaborated on. The designed Yogāsana protocol represents a powerful tool for dental professionals to provide relief to retracted stiff muscles and unbalanced musculoskeletal structures in the lower body.

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

BACKGROUND

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.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSION

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.

Relationship between Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior, Spinal Curvatures, Endurance and Balance of the Trunk Muscles-Extended Physical Health Analysis in Young Adults

BACKGROUND

Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are associated with poor well-being in young people with adverse effects extending into adulthood. To date, there are many studies investigating the relationship between physical activity (PA) and posture, but there are no data on the relationship between the type and intensity of PA and sedentary behavior, their association with thoracic and lumbar spine angles, and with endurance and balance of the trunk muscles, especially in healthy young adults aged 18-25 years. Moreover, there are no data on the relationship between PA and sedentary behavior and musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary health, as well as quality of life (QoL) and sleep that would provide a more comprehensive picture of physical health status.

AIM

Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the extent to which PA and sedentary behavior are associated with each other and with changes in spinal curvatures, endurance and balance of trunk muscles in an extended analysis of physical health status in young adults aged 18-25 years by additionally including measures of body composition, cardiorespiratory capacity, and QoL and sleep.

METHODS

A total of 82 students (58% female, 42% male) aged 18-25 years completed all required tests. Primary outcome measures included the following: PA and sedentary behavior calculated from the long form of International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ-LF), spinal curvatures measured by a Spinal Mouse® device, endurance and balance of the trunk muscles measured using trunk endurance tests and their ratio.

RESULTS

Overall, 50% of students were classified as minimally active and 50% as health-enhancing PA (HEPA) active. The angles of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis showed no correlation with PA or time spent sitting. However, students with the lowest PA had significantly higher scores on the trunk extensor endurance test and trunk extensor/flexor endurance test ratio, indicating imbalanced trunk muscles. Moreover, these students spent the most their time sitting. Only PA of vigorous intensity and PA during recreation, leisure, and sports significantly correlated with QoL related to physical health. QoL related to physical and psychosocial health had significantly higher scores when students spent less time sitting. In addition, we found significantly better respiratory performance and SQ at higher PA values, i.e., PA during recreation, leisure, and sport.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that students with low PA levels and more time spent sitting have imbalanced trunk muscles, worse respiratory function, and poorer QoL and sleep. Moreover, these findings in college students may reflect their lifestyle and suggest that more PA needs to be promoted to prevent the development of chronic diseases including musculoskeletal disorders.

An ergonomic focus evaluation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders amongst operators in the UAE network control centres

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have rapidly increased during the last decade, but only a few descriptive surveys have been conducted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study investigated the prevalence of WMSDs and analysed their ergonomic risks amongst operators in the network control rooms across two government organisations, X and Y, in the UAE. Essential data were collected by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) from online surveys and direct observations based on the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) form and ergonomic measurements for the working environments, respectively. Fifty-three and eighteen operators participated from Organisations X and Y. This study found a high presence of WMSDs in both organisations over the past 12 months. In Organisation X, individual, work-related physical and psychosocial risk factors of high BMI, educational level, morning work shift, high job duration, lack of exercise habit, awkward body posture, high job demand, low job control, and low work social support were associated with WMSDs in different body areas (p < 0.05). In Organisation Y, older age, high BMI, high job duration, lack of exercise habits, unergonomic workstations, awkward body posture, low break time, high job demand, and stress level were associated with WMSDs in different body areas (p < 0.05). The control room operators' most affected body areas were the back, eyes, and neck. Several efficient ergonomic intervention ideas were explored to lessen the detrimental effects of WMSDs and preclude the development of WMSDs amongst the control centre operators.

Prevalence of lower back pain and its associations with lifestyle behaviors among college students in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Lower back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that may affect students' daily lives. Recent psychological research showed a relevant connection between LBP and multidimensional health. However, the association between LBP and lifestyle behavior has not been established, and improving knowledge in this area may help develop preventive strategies and optimize college students' quality of life.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 1420 college students in Saudi Arabia was conducted, and participants who attended Saudi Universities were recruited from May 2021 to November 2021. An established validated online survey assessed LBP, sleep quality, time spent sedentary (sedentary duration), health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, spiritual growth, interpersonal relationships, and stress management. Generalized Linear Regression was used to assess the associations between LBP severity and lifestyle behaviors after controlling for covariates.

RESULTS

LBP was prevalent among college students from Saudi Arabia. Most of the sample were young (23.81 ± 6.02), and female (83.7%). There were significant differences between students with and without LBP regarding age, BMI, sex, marital status, pain severity, overall lifestyle behavior, health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and global sleep quality. After controlling for age, BMI, sex, and marital status, there were significant associations between pain severity and global sleep quality (ß=0.2, p < .001, CI: 16 to 0.24), and sedentary duration (ß=0.03, p = .01, CI:0.009 to 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

This study helped define the prevalence of LBP in college students in Saudi Arabia and evaluated the association between LBP and lifestyle behaviors. The findings showed that students with higher levels of poor sleep quality or sedentary behavior had higher levels of pain. Promoting sleep quality and reducing sedentary behavior may help establish preventive strategies for LBP in college students.

Trigger Point Injections Versus Medical Management for Acute Myofascial Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Myofascial pain is a common problem resulting in musculoskeletal pain characterized by myofascial trigger points. These trigger points can cause substantial discomfort and functional limitations. This meta-analysis aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of trigger point injections versus medical management alone in treating acute onset myofascial pain. A thorough search was conducted across four databases, namely, PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science (WOS), and Cochrane Library, to identify randomized controlled trials that compared the effectiveness of trigger point injections versus medical management for the treatment of acute myofascial pain. The search encompassed articles published from the databases' inception until June 2023. The relevant data were extracted and analyzed using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Of the 1151 records identified, four met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and all were included in the meta-analysis. The analysis of four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed that trigger point injections were effective in reducing pain scores compared to medical treatment (SMD = -2.09 (95% CI: -3.34 to -0.85, P = 0.001)). The data revealed a negative standardized mean difference, which was significant and consistent in favor of trigger point injections. Overall, these findings highlight the beneficial impact of trigger point injections in reducing acute myofascial pain when compared to isolated medical management.

Magnitude and influencing factors of work-related low back pain among high school teachers in West Arsi zone, Southwest Ethiopia: evidenced from multicentred cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain and its associated factors among high school teachers in the West Arsi zone, Southwest Ethiopia.

DESIGN

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2020. A self-administered structured Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to assess low back pain during the past 12 months. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was carried out using Stata V.14. The degree of significance was obtained at a 95% CI and p<0.05.

SETTING

The study was conducted in the West Arsi zone, Ethiopia.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 602 teachers participated in this study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome is the prevalence of low back pain.

RESULTS

The prevalence of low back pain during the last 12 months was found to be 63.73% (95% CI 59.77% to 67.70%). About 225 (39.61%) teachers experienced moderate pain, and (89.79%) of them had a minimal disability. Being unmarried (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.47, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.79), prolonged standing (AOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.60), sleeping disturbance (AOR 3.22, 95% CI 1.41 to 7.36), regular physical activity (AOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.84), current smoker (AOR 2.83, 95% CI 1.04 to 7.67), lifting heavy load (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.28), psychological job demand (AOR 2.86, 95% CI 1.69 to 4.84) and job satisfaction (AOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.79) were associated with low back pain.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of low back pain was high in this study. Prolonged standing, sleep disruption, heavy load lifting, cigarette smoking and psychological job demand were risk factors for low back pain. Physical exercise and workplace satisfaction were effective interventions. Emphasis should now be put on ergonomics, regular physical activity and psychosocial factors to lessen the problem.

Diaphragmatic breathing exercises in recovery from fatigue-induced changes in spinal mobility and postural stability: a study protocol

Prolonged periods of sitting at work can increase trunk muscle fatigue from the continuous contraction of deep trunk muscles. Insufficient activity of these muscles can decrease muscular support to the spine and increases stress on its passive structures. This can lead to reduced spinal mobility and impaired postural stability. It may also stimulate nociceptor activity leading to pain. However, frequently used recovery modalities such as muscle strengthening and stretching exercises, can be time-consuming, impractical, and difficult to implement in the workplace. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises, which increase the activity of the deep trunk muscles by raising intra-abdominal pressure, seem to be a suitable alternative. However, little is known as to what extent diaphragmatic breathing exercises contribute to the reduction of fatigue induced by prolonged sitting. This paper presents a study protocol that aims to investigate the acute effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercises on recovery of fatigue-induced changes in spinal mobility and postural stability in sedentary middle-aged adults at risk of developing non-specific low back pain. Twenty sedentary adults aged between 25 and 44 years will perform Abt's fatigue protocol, followed by 1) active recovery using diaphragmatic breathing exercises and 2) passive recovery in the form of lying on the bed, respectively. There will be 1 week of rest in-between. Pre-fatigue, post-fatigue, and after the active and passive recovery, spinal mobility and postural stability will be evaluated using the spinal mouse device and a posturography system, respectively. The electromyography will be used to determine the muscle-fatigue conditions. We hypothesize that active recovery in a form of diaphragmatic breathing exercises would be more effective in restoring spinal mobility and postural stability followed by the fatigue of back and hamstring muscles compared to passive recovery in sedentary adults. Increasing core and respiratory muscle strength via these exercises could be beneficial for overall mobility and stability of the spine. Reducing compressive stress on the passive structures of the spine may be also beneficial for lowering low back pain. Therefore, we believe that diaphragmatic breathing exercises have the possibility to be incorporated into the workplace and contribute to better back health in sedentary middle-aged adults. Clinical Trial Registration: [https://www.irct.ir/trial/67015], identifier [IRCT20221126056606N1].

Defining the lumbar and trunk-thigh neutral zone from the passive stiffness curve: application to hybrid sit-stand postures and chair design

Minimal data exist on the neutral position for the lumbar spine, trunk, and thighs when adopting a hybrid posture. This study examined sex differences in the neutral zone lumbar stiffness and the lumbar and trunk-thigh angle boundaries of the neutral zone, and determined if the standing lumbar angle fell within the neutral zone. Passive lumbar flexion and extension moment-angle curves were generated for 31 participants (13 M, 18 F), pooled from two datasets, with trunk-thigh angles available for 10 participants. The neutral zone was defined as the low stiffness zone from both the flexion and extension curves. Males demonstrated significantly greater extensor stiffness. Neutral lumbar and trunk-thigh angles ranged on average -22.2 to 0.2° and 124.2 to 159.6° for males and -17.8 to -1.3° and 143.2 to 159.5° for females, respectively. Standing lumbar angles fell outside the neutral zone for 44% of participants. These neutral zone boundaries may inform kinematics for hybrid chair designs.Practitioner summary: Adoption of a neutral spinal posture may be achieved through hybrid chair design, yet minimal data exists on a physiologically defined neutral zone. Using measures of in vivo lumbar stiffness, the lumbar and trunk-thigh angular boundaries of the neutral zone were defined for both males and females.Abbreviations: EMG: electromyography; MVC: maximal voluntary contraction.

The Effect of Two Types of Back Pillow Support on Transversus Abdominis and Internal Oblique Muscle Fatigue, Patient Satisfaction, and Discomfort Score during Prolonged Sitting

Natural rubber is considered an economic plant in Thailand and is used to manufacture many products. Foam back pillows have proven to have various benefits for the lower back. However, no study has compared the effects of foam and rubber pillows. Therefore, the current study aimed to compare the efficacy of foam and rubber pillows on transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscle fatigue, patient satisfaction, and discomfort scores during 60 min of prolonged sitting. Thirty healthy participants were invited to the study and randomized into three sitting conditions over three consecutive days. The three groups were as follows: control, foam pillow, and rubber pillow. Our results revealed that the discomfort score increased with the sitting time in all three groups (p < 0.05). The control group had the highest discomfort when compared to the rubber pillow group at 30 min (T4; p = 0.007) and 60 min (T7; p = 0.0001), as well as the foam pillow group at 60 min (T7; p = 0.0001). Participants were more satisfied sitting with the two types of back pillows at the initial time (T1; p = 0.0001) and at 60 min (T7; p = 0.0001) when compared with the control group. Furthermore, the participants were more satisfied with using rubber pillows rather than foam pillows throughout the sitting period (p = 0.0001). The control group experienced more transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscle fatigue at 60 min (T7) of sitting compared to the initial time (T1) (p = 0.038). Thus, sitting with pillow support can decrease deep trunk muscle fatigue, and using a pillow made from natural rubber may ensure greater satisfaction and less discomfort for the user.

The Correlation of Frequency of Work-Related Disorders with Type of Work among Polish Employees

Musculoskeletal disorders have a significant negative impact on the quality of life of the population. These conditions, as well as other work-related disorders, generate costs associated with treatment and work absence, which makes it a growing problem in industrialized countries. Available data from studies on individual populations of workers indicate a higher incidence of certain symptoms in these groups. Due to the lack of studies on the general population, we aimed to perform the preliminary study evaluating the occurrence of pain and work-related conditions depending on the type of occupational work among Polish employees to identify further possible areas for research. Data was collected using an electronic self-administered questionnaire, which was distributed in groups bringing together various professionals. The data obtained from 379 participants have been analyzed and divided according to performed work into sedentary, forced posture, standing, physical and requiring physical activity. Our study reveals a correlation between the frequency of work-related disorders and type of work performed in the Polish population. A significant correlation between the type of occupational work and prevalence of ankle, knee and shoulder pain, as well as heavy legs or upper limb paresthesia was found. According to our findings, female employees may be more vulnerable to lower limb symptoms. A place of residence also seems to affect the prevalence of upper back pain and heavy legs. The analysis also showed a correlation between the occurrence of hip, knee and ankle pain and the level of education of the participants. Surprisingly, lower extremity paresthesia was significantly more common among participants undertaking additional physical activity, compared to non-physically active respondents.

Exploring the use of an under-desk leg swing device during employee aptitude testing and implications on work performance and productivity

BACKGROUND

As modern occupations become more sedentary, desk-bound workers are more at risk of chronic diseases. Active workstations have gained popularity in the workplace, but there remain concerns about their impact on cognitive function.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the use of a novel under-desk leg swing device on cognitive ability in the workplace compared to sitting.

METHODS

Cognitive ability was measured using a pre-employment aptitude test (CCAT), and perceived outcomes were analyzed via self-report questionnaires. Using a randomized, repeated measures crossover design, 18 undergraduate students undertook the CCAT while using the under-desk leg swing device and while sitting only (Experiment 1). 9 students returned two to three weeks later to repeat testing (Experiment 2).

RESULTS

In Experiment 1, CCAT scores did not differ significantly between the under-desk leg swing device and sitting (mean difference (MD) = -1.056, standard error (SE) = 1.302,p = 0.429, d = -0.16). Effect sizes of 0.554 were observed for perceived alertness, 0.446 for attention, 0.446 for focus, and 0.564 for enjoyment, but there were no significant differences between the two conditions. CCAT scores were significantly higher in Experiment 2 than in Experiment 1 (MD = 8.444, SE = 2.410,p = 0.008, d = 1.64).

CONCLUSION

Based on Experiment 1, the findings suggest that the use of the under-desk leg swing device promotes movement without detriment to neither workflow nor cognitive ability relevant to employee aptitude compared to sitting.

Subjective attitudes moderate the social connectedness in esports gaming during COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Background

Electronic sports (esports) has become a practical intervention for young people craving social connections since the COVID-19 pandemic. Past studies have shown an equivocal role of esports participation in boosting social ties or social connectedness. It is unclear if their relationship is affected by subjective attitudes of gamers. Moreover, the present COVID-19 pandemic may further modify this relationship to a greater extent.

Objective

This study primarily aimed to investigate the moderating effect of participants' subjective attitudes toward esports gaming on the relationship between in-game interaction during esports participation and participants' anticipated social connectedness among Chinese young adults during the COVID-19 lockdown periods in China.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide online questionnaire survey through the Credamo platform among 550 Chinese young adults in the present study. The Social Connectedness Scale-Revised was used to assess participants' social connectedness levels.

Results

Four hundred and fifty-three participants were included in the final analysis. The effective response rate was 82.4%. Our results showed that the esports participation measured by in-game communication frequency among participants, as an independent factor, was negatively associated with participants' social connectedness scores (β = -0.13, p < 0.05). However, when the moderating effect of subjective attitudes toward esports gaming was considered, the association between communication frequency and social connectedness scores was turned into the opposite direction with a larger effect size (β = 0.35, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our primary finding revealed that a positive mindset in esports gaming is indispensable in boosting social connectedness. Overall, our study provided supporting evidence for the benefits of esports on individuals' social connectedness. In future circumstances similar to the COVID-19 era, playing esports games is strongly encouraged in an attempt to maintain social connections and relieve psychological stress. In the meantime, we believe that having a positive esports experience, often associated with a positive mindset during gaming, can better promote social connectedness. Nevertheless, the amount of time spent on gaming per day should be of great concern, as esports games can be addictive, especially for teenagers and college students.

The influence of sedentary behaviour on lumbar-pelvic kinematics during squatting and forward bending among physically active students

Prolonged sitting may involve several mechanisms that make it a risk factor for low back pain. The aim of this study was to investigate lumbar-pelvic kinematics and multifidus muscle (MF) activity during squatting and forward bending in relation to the sedentary behaviour of physically active students. Sixty-three students were divided into two groups according to the time spent in a sitting position during the day: 'high' (>7 h/day); 'low' (≤7 h/day). Lumbar-pelvic ratios, ranges of motion, angular velocities, and MF flexion-relaxation phenomenon were investigated. Data were obtained using the optical motion analysis system, and surface electromyography. The results indicated that lumbar-pelvic ratios during both tasks and velocity of lumbar spine during squatting were significantly greater in the 'high' than in the 'low' sitting group. Muscle activity showed no differences between groups. Prolonged sitting can be considered a factor that slightly, but statistically significantly influences the lumbar-pelvic kinematics in physically active people.Practitioner summary: Lumbar-pelvic kinematics can be altered by prolonged sitting in physically active students. Lumbar-pelvic ratios during squatting and forward bending and lumbar spine velocity during squatting were significantly greater in the 'high' than in the 'low' sitting group. Sedentary behaviour should be considered during an assessment of movement patterns.Abbreviations: BMI: body mass index; ERR: extension-relaxation ratio; FRP: flexion-relaxation phenomenon; FRR: flexion-relaxation ratio; IPAQ: International Physical Activity Questionnaire; LBP: low back pain; METs: metabolic equivalent of tasks; MF: multifidus muscle; PA: physical activity; ROM: range of motion; sEMG: surface electromyography.

Prevalence and predictors of musculoskeletal health complaints among sedentary, monotonous urban workers: A survey in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Monotonous and sedentary work is significantly associated with the worst health of workers. There is a scarcity of data investigating the musculoskeletal health of sedentary workers working in low-income and middle-income settings. This study aimed to measure the prevalence and predictors of musculoskeletal health complaints (MHC) among Bangladeshi shopkeepers.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data from 1553 Bangladeshi shopkeepers aged 18 years and above were analyzed. MHC was measured using the musculoskeletal subscale of the subjective health complaints scale. The descriptive analysis helped to compute MHC prevalence and compare the prevalence across groups. Regression analysis revealed the predictors of MHC for the shopkeepers.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MHC among shopkeepers was 58.0%. The prevalence of low back pain was the highest (55.5%), followed by neck pain (48.0%) and upper back pain (43.5%). Regression analysis identified sex (aOR 1.301, CI 0.996 to 1.700), age (aOR 1.405, CI 1.047 to 1.886), body mass index (aOR 0.495, CI 0.397 to 0.617), and substance abuse (aOR 1.998, CI 1.136 to 3.514) as independent predictors of MHC among the shopkeepers. Furthermore, significantly higher odds of MHC have been found among tobacco users (OR 1.234, CI 1.009 to 1.510).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed a high prevalence of MHC and unhealthy lifestyles among shopkeepers in Bangladesh. Shopkeepers should be provided with better health literacy to follow healthy lifestyles and prevent MHC among this cohort.

Potential causal association between leisure sedentary behaviors, physical activity and musculoskeletal health: A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence shows that leisure sedentary behaviors (LSB) and physical activity (PA) are associated with various musculoskeletal disorders. However, the causality between LSB/PA and musculoskeletal health remained unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the causal relationships between LSB/PA and lower back pain (LBP), intervertebral disc disorder (IVDD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and bone mineral density (BMD) by using a two-sample Mendelian randomization method.

METHODS

The exposure data were obtained from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS), including the PA dataset (self-reported PA, n  =  377,234; accelerometer-assessed PA, n  = 91,084) and LSB dataset (n  =  422,218). The outcome data were derived from the FinnGen LBP dataset (n  =  248,528), FinnGen IVDD dataset (n  =  256,896), BMD GWAS dataset (n  =  56,284), and RA GWAS dataset (n  =  58,284). The causal relationships were estimated with inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods. Sensitivity analyses were performed with Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis to estimate the robustness of our findings.

RESULTS

Genetically predicted leisure television watching increased the risk of LBP (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.01; P = 8.23×10-9) and IVDD (OR  =  1.62, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.91; P  =  2.13 × 10-8). In addition, this study revealed a potential causal relationship between computer use and a reduced risk of IVDD (OR  = 0.60, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.86; P  =  0.005) and RA (OR  = 0.28, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.60; P  =  0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that leisure television watching is a risk factor for LBP and IVDD, whereas leisure computer use may act as a protective factor against IVDD and RA. These findings emphasized the importance of distinguishing between different sedentary behaviors in musculoskeletal disease studies.

Prevalence of spinal pain in a population of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and risk factors of spinal pain in the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey conducted online in November/December 2018. Participants were inhabitants of BiH of both sexes, aged ≥ 16 years. The sample was stratified based on region and demographic characteristics. Current pain was analyzed; point prevalence was measured.

Results

We received 1048 responses, of which data from 1017 could be used. The prevalence of spinal pain in BiH was 70.9%: 75.5% in women (n = 440) and 64.7% in men (n = 281). Low back pain (LBP) was more common compared to neck pain (NP) and thoracic pain (TP) in both sexes and all age groups. Significant associations with spinal pain in the bivariate analysis were found for the following groups: women, aged from 30 to 50 years, with high school education, employed persons and retirees, spinal pain in parents, smoking, irregular physical activity, longer use of TV or computer/mobile phone per day.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study of the prevalence of spinal pain in BiH. Some factors associated with spinal pain are modifiable. Therefore, public health interventions should target those factors to reduce the burden of spinal pain in BiH.

Presenteeism in Non-Academic Staff in a Public University Context: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Reasons to Work While Sick during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Presenteeism negatively affects worker performance. We aimed to know the prevalence of presenteeism in non-academic university staff, identify health problems and associated factors, as well as explore the reasons that led to presenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 332 non-academic staff. The Portuguese version of the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS-6) was used, and socio-demographic and occupational data were collected. Participants were divided into groups according to the presenteeism cut-off score (no presenteeists, presenteeists with high job performance, presenteeists with low job performance). Multinomial regression was used to identify occupational and demographic characteristics associated with presenteeism. An open question replies analysis made it possible to explore the reasons for going to work while sick. Presenteeism was experienced by 30.1%. Presenteeism with high job performance was not associated with socio-demographic and work factors. Professionals who performed only physical work (OR = 9.4; 95% CI: 1.7; 51.0) and those who conducted hybrid work (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.8; 9.6) showed a higher risk of belonging to the presenteeist group with low job performance. Financial reasons led professionals to work while sick. This study raises the importance of evaluating presenteeism in non-academic staff to create conditions for them to maintain high performance despite presenteeism and to intervene when there is low performance due to presenteeism.

Effect of a 6-month sedentary behavior reduction intervention on well-being and workplace health in desk workers with low back pain

BACKGROUND: Research suggests reducing sedentary behavior improves low back pain; however, the impact on presenteeism, health, productivity, and sleep in desk workers with chronic low back pain is not known. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of a sedentary behavior intervention on multiple dimensions of workplace health. METHODS: 24 participants with chronic low back pain and desk jobs were randomized to either a sedentary behavior reduction intervention group or control. Outcomes included a modified Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Health and Work Questionnaire (HWQ), SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Six-month changes in outcomes were compared across intervention groups using ANCOVA regression, adjusting for baseline values. Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated for outcomes to explain the magnitude of group differences. RESULTS: The intervention group reported 1.5 hours/day less sitting time (p < 0.001) compared to controls at 6 months. SF-36 subscales of energy/fatigue, social functioning, and pain improved, and sleep disturbance was reduced among intervention participants. Productivity, concentration, and presenteeism were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: A sedentary behavior reduction intervention may improve well-being and workplace health without impacting productivity and concentration in desk workers with chronic low back pain.

Effects of Core Stabilization Exercise Programs on Changes in Erector Spinae Contractile Properties and Isokinetic Muscle Function of Adult Females with a Sedentary Lifestyle

This study aimed to investigate the effect of core stabilization exercises on the contractile properties and isokinetic muscle function of adult females with a sedentary lifestyle. We enrolled 105 adult females. Tensiomyography was performed on the erector spinae, and the isokinetic muscular functional test was performed on the trunk at an angular velocity of 60°/s and 90°/s. All participants performed the exercise for 60 min per day, 3 times a week, for 7 weeks. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed at a significance level of 0.05. Tensiomyography (TMG) of the erector spinae revealed no significant post-exercise change in the contraction time; however, there was a significant post-exercise increase in the maximum radial displacement and mean velocity until 90% of the TMG was displaced. Additionally, the isokinetic muscular functional test of the trunk revealed a significant post-exercise increase in almost all variables. Our findings demonstrated that the core stabilization exercise reduced stiffness in the erector spinae, increased the velocity of erector spinae contraction, and effectively improved the isokinetic muscular function of the trunk.

Association between sedentary behavior and low back pain; A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Sedentariness is a substantial risk for many chronic diseases. We aimed to investigate the correlation of sedentary behavior and its indicators with low back pain (LBP) among adults and children.

Methods: Original articles published up to April 28, 2020, using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus were evaluated. Odds ratio (OR, 95% CI) was considered the overall effect size for desired associations.

Results: We reviewed 49 English articles with analytical observational study design, of which, 27 studies with cross sectional/survey design were retained in the meta-analysis. Among adults, sedentary lifestyle was a considerable risk factor for LBP (OR=1.24, 1.02-1.5); prolonged sitting time (OR=1.42, 1.09-1.85) and driving time (OR=2.03, 1.22-3.36) were the significant risk factors. Sedentary behavior was associated with LBP in office workers (OR=1.23). Moreover, excess weight (OR=1.35, 1.14-1.59) and smoking (OR=1.28, 1.03-1.60) were associated with LBP. Among children, sedentary lifestyle was a remarkable risk factor for LBP (OR=1.41, 1.24- 1.60); prolonged TV watching (OR=1.23, 1.08-1.41) and computer/mobile using and console playing time (OR=1.63, 1.36-1.95) were significant risk factors for LBP. Consumption of coffee, however, has yield conflicting results to be considered as a risk factor. Moreover, the researches on the correlation between sedentariness and high-intensity LBP are scarce and inconclusive.

Conclusion: Sedentary behavior, whether in work or leisure time, associates with a moderate increase in the risk of LBP in adults, children and adolescents.

Individual and Occupational Factors Associated With Low Back Pain: The First-ever Occupational Health Study Among Bangladeshi Online Professionals

OBJECTIVES

Low back pain (LBP) is a common chronic condition among sedentary workers that causes long-term productivity loss. This study aimed to identify the relationships of individual and occupational factors with LBP among Bangladeshi online professionals.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 468 full-time online professionals who usually worked in a sitting position. One-month LBP complaints were assessed using a musculoskeletal subscale of subjective health complaints. The chi-square test was used to measure associations between categorical predictors and LBP, and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify the variables significantly associated with LBP.

RESULTS

LBP within the last month was reported by 65.6% of participants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that age >30 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23 to 0.70) and being married (aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.97) had significant negative associations with LBP. Significant positive associations were found for spending >50 hours weekly on average working in a sitting position (aOR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.49), being overweight and obese (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.99), sleeping on a soft mattress (aOR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.06 to 3.80), and ex-smoking status (aOR, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.41 to 7.87).

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of LBP was found among full-time online professionals. Long working hours in a sitting position showed a significant association with developing LBP. Smoking history, body mass index, and sleeping arrangements should also be considered while considering solutions for LBP prevalence among online professionals.

Musculoskeletal pain and sedentary behaviour in occupational and non-occupational settings: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sedentary behaviour (SB; time spent sitting) is associated with musculoskeletal pain (MSP) conditions; however, no prior systematic review has examined these associations according to SB domains. We synthesised evidence on occupational and non-occupational SB and MSP conditions.

METHODS

Guided by a PRISMA protocol, eight databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus, and AMED) and three grey literature sources (Google Scholar, WorldChat, and Trove) were searched (January 1, 2000, to March 17, 2021) for original quantitative studies of adults ≥ 18 years. Clinical-condition studies were excluded. Studies' risk of bias was assessed using the QualSyst checklist. For meta-analyses, random effect inverse-variance pooled effect size was estimated; otherwise, best-evidence synthesis was used for narrative review.

RESULTS

Of 178 potentially-eligible studies, 79 were included [24 general population; 55 occupational (incuding15 experimental/intervention)]; 56 studies were of high quality, with scores > 0.75. Data for 26 were meta-synthesised. For cross-sectional studies of non-occupational SB, meta-analysis showed full-day SB to be associated with low back pain [LBP - OR = 1.19(1.03 - 1.38)]. Narrative synthesis found full-day SB associations with knee pain, arthritis, and general MSP, but the evidence was insufficient on associations with neck/shoulder pain, hip pain, and upper extremities pain. Evidence of prospective associations of full-day SB with MSP conditions was insufficient. Also, there was insufficient evidence on both cross-sectional and prospective associations between leisure-time SB and MSP conditions. For occupational SB, cross-sectional studies meta-analysed indicated associations of self-reported workplace sitting with LBP [OR = 1.47(1.12 - 1.92)] and neck/shoulder pain [OR = 1.73(1.46 - 2.03)], but not with extremities pain [OR = 1.17(0.65 - 2.11)]. Best-evidence synthesis identified inconsistent findings on cross-sectional association and a probable negative prospective association of device-measured workplace sitting with LBP-intensity in tradespeople. There was cross-sectional evidence on the association of computer time with neck/shoulder pain, but insufficient evidence for LBP and general MSP. Experimental/intervention evidence indicated reduced LBP, neck/shoulder pain, and general MSP with reducing workplace sitting.

CONCLUSIONS

We found cross-sectional associations of occupational and non-occupational SB with MSP conditions, with occupational SB associations being occupation dependent, however, reverse causality bias cannot be ruled out. While prospective evidence was inconclusive, reducing workplace sitting was associated with reduced MSP conditions. Future studies should emphasise prospective analyses and examining potential interactions with chronic diseases.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO ID # CRD42020166412 (Amended to limit the scope).

Changes in external ischial tuberosity width at varying trunk-thigh angles between sexes using two measurement methods

This study examined the influence of two methods and various trunk–thigh (TT) angles on external ischial tuberosity width (EITW) for 45 men and 45 women. In the experiment, the impress and seat pressure methods were applied at TT angles of 60°, 75°, 90°, and 105°. When the impress method was used, EITW remained highly consistent across the four measured TT angles with differences of 2.8 and 2.1 mm for men and women, respectively. Conversely, in the seated pressure method, EITW increased with TT angle such that differences in EITW across a full TT angle range were 11.5 and 11.7 mm for men and women, respectively. Irrespective of method, differences in EITW between genders measured approximately 12.6–13.7 mm across all TT angles. Correlation analyses revealed that hip circumference was positively related to EITW in all cases, whereas the relationship of hip width and depth with EITW varied by method and gender. Because of inherent differences in EITW between genders, these findings suggest that gender variability should be considered in seat cushion design.

Sedentary Behavior and Associated Factors Among Working Adults in Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Sedentary behavior is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Due to changes in lifestyle, sedentary behavior is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. However, information on the extent of sedentarism among various segments of the population is scant in low-income countries. The objective of this study was to assess the extent of high sedentary behavior and associated factors among working adults in eastern Ethiopia.

Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted among 1,164 working adults at Haramaya University from December 2018 to February 2019. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the WHO STEPS and sedentary behavior questionnaire. All reported sedentary activities were added to calculate the total number of hours spent on sedentary behavior, which was then dichotomized into two categories. Those who had ≥8 sedentary hours per day were categorized as having high sedentary behavior. The prevalence ratio (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated. Factors associated with outcome variables were identified using Poisson regression with a robust variance statistical model.

Results: The prevalence of high sedentary behavior was 20.3% (95% CI, 18.0–22.7%) among the study participants. The prevalence of high sedentary behavior was associated with age 45–54 years adjusted PR (APR: 2.00; 95% CI = 1.01–3.97) and 55–64 years (APR: 2.16; 95% CI = 1.03–4.57), being a non-manual worker (APR: 2.11; 95% CI = 1.46–3.05), frequent khat chewers (APR: 1.57; 95% CI = 1.22–2.01), with body mass index of ≥25 kg/m² (APR: 1.93; 95% CI = 1.53–2.44), and regular alcohol drinker (APR: 1.39; 95% CI = 1.11–1.76).

Conclusion: One-fifth of working adults had high sedentary behavior. Factors associated with high sedentary behaviors were older age, being a non-manual worker, substance-use behaviors, and having a high body mass index.

The association of reactive balance control and spinal curvature under lumbar muscle fatigue

Background

Although low back fatigue is an important intervening factor for physical functioning among sedentary people, little is known about its possible significance in relation to the spinal posture and compensatory postural responses to unpredictable stimuli. This study investigates the effect of lumbar muscle fatigue on spinal curvature and reactive balance control in response to externally induced perturbations.

Methods

A group of 38 young sedentary individuals underwent a perturbation-based balance test by applying a 2 kg load release. Sagittal spinal curvature and pelvic tilt was measured in both a normal and Matthiass standing posture both with and without a hand-held 2 kg load, and before and after the Sørensen fatigue test.

Results

Both the peak anterior and peak posterior center of pressure (CoP) displacements and the corresponding time to peak anterior and peak posterior CoP displacements significantly increased after the Sørensen fatigue test (all at p < 0.001). A lumbar muscle fatigue led to a decrease of the lumbar lordosis in the Matthiass posture while holding a 2 kg load in front of the body when compared to pre-fatigue conditions both without a load (p = 0.011, d = 0.35) and with a 2 kg load (p = 0.000, d = 0.51). Also the sacral inclination in the Matthiass posture with a 2 kg additional load significantly decreased under fatigue when compared to all postures in pre-fatigue conditions (p = 0.01, d = 0.48). Contrary to pre-fatigue conditions, variables of the perturbation-based balance test were closely associated with those of lumbar curvature while standing in the Matthiass posture with a 2 kg additional load after the Sørensen fatigue test (r values in range from −0.520 to −0.631, all at p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that lumbar muscle fatigue causes changes in the lumbar spinal curvature and this is functionally relevant in explaining the impaired ability to maintain balance after externally induced perturbations. This emphasizes the importance for assessing both spinal posture and reactive balance control under fatigue in order to reveal their interrelations in young sedentary adults and predict any significant deterioration in later years.

The immediate effect of the abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique on stature change in seated sedentary workers with chronic low back pain

Many studies have measured stature change arising from loads imposed on the spine during sitting. To improve stature recovery, it is important to stabilise the lumbar spine and compensate forces from the upper body. The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) technique has been found to mainly activate deep trunk muscles. The purpose of this study was to determine whether activation of deep trunk muscles by the ADIM technique could immediately improve stature recovery during prolonged sitting. Twenty-four patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) were randomly allocated into different orders of experimental conditions: control (sitting without ADIM technique) and intervention conditions (sitting with ADIM technique). The latter condition required participants to complete ADIM technique for 1 min and repeat it three times throughout 41 min prolonged sitting time. Stature recovery was improved by 3.292 mm in the intervention condition compared with control condition (p-value = 0.001). Our finding demonstrated that ADIM technique improved stature recovery. Practitioner Summary: Prolonged sitting seemingly harms sedentary workers' health, particularly affecting the lower back. Activation of deep trunk muscles using abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique can promote spinal recovery. Clinicians can teach abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique to activate deep trunk muscles in chronic low back pain, thereby promoting self-management of seated stature recovery. Abbrevations: ADIM: abdominal drawing-in maneuver; RA: rectus abdominis; ICLT: iliocostalis lumborum pars thoracis; LM: lumbar multifidus; TrA: transversus abdominis; IO: internal oblique; CLBP: chronic low back pain; LBP: low back pain; RMDQ: Roland Morris disability questionnaire; NRS: numerical rating scale.

Prevalência da dor em estudantes universitários

Objetivo: revisar estudos sobre a prevalência e os fatores relacionados a dor em estudantes universitários brasileiros.Métodos: revisão sistemática com registro na Prospero (CRD42020204197), de artigos publicados em periódicos nacionais e internacionais, nas bases Pubmed, Ebsco, Lilacs, Medline, Portal da BVS, Google Acadêmico e SciELO. Descritores: “Pain”, “Chronic Pain”, Students”, “Students, Health Occupations” e “Universities”. Incluídos: a) estudos observacionais; b) transversais; c) publicados em periódicos nacionais ou internacionais; d) redigidos em inglês ou português; e) desenvolvidos com acadêmicos, em instituições de ensino superior brasileiras; f) que tenham avaliado a prevalência e fatores relacionados a dor; g) Tais estudos deviam estar disponíveis na íntegra. Não foram realizadas restrições quanto ao período de publicação dos estudos. Excluídos: h) estudos que não relataram a metodologia aplicada para mensuração do desfecho; i) estudos com instrumentos que não avaliaram a dor como desfecho primário, posteriormente apresentando dados insuficientes para análise dos resultados; j) estudos com acadêmicos de outros países; e k) estudos com inconsistência dos dados relacionados a amostra e seus principais resultados. O risco de viés foi avaliado com a escala Downs and Black e a proposta por Hoy.Resultados: as buscas identificaram 67 artigos, contudo, após análise, 10 foram incluídos. Esses eram estudos transversais, publicados entre 2011 e 2019, sendo cinco deles da região Nordeste. A amostra totalizou 3.268 acadêmicos, sendo 68% mulheres. A prevalência da dor variou entre 14,4% e 98% e a dor crônica entre 11,5% e 59,7%. A maior percepção da dor autorrelatada foi de 4,12 ± 2,15. As principais queixas álgicas foram nas regiões de lombar e de membros superiores. Na análise metodológica, os estudos possuem moderado a alto risco de viés.Conclusões: por fim, as evidências indicam uma alta prevalência de dor, bem como sua cronificação em universitários. Contudo, estudos com adequado rigor metodológico ainda são necessários para a confirmação dos resultados apresentados.

Psychosocial determinants of physical activity among workers: an integrative review

Knowledge of the psychosocial determinants of physical activity is critical to informing preventive and therapeutic interventions in the workplace. This study reviewed available evidence on psychosocial factors that have been associated with physical activity among workers. Studies were selected in December 2019 from the Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases, with no date limits, using the following search terms: “physical activity”, “physical exercise”, “psychosocial”, “workers”, and “working-age”. Thirty-nine studies published between 1991 and 2019 were evaluated. The determinants of physical activity investigated among workers were smoking status, stress, psychosocial working conditions, depression, anxiety, social relationships, work ability, job satisfaction, burnout, and self-efficacy. Some consistencies and controversies were observed in the associations among these determinants and physical activity and are discussed, as are suggestions for future studies. The findings of this review may be of interest to physical activity interventions designed to reduce psychosocial risks factors in work environments.

A qualitative analysis of barriers and facilitators to reducing sedentary time in adults with chronic low back pain

Background

Sedentary time (SED) is associated with many detrimental health outcomes, yet little is known about what factors influence one’s ability to reduce SED. Even less is known about these factors in specific patient populations for whom high levels of SED may influence symptoms, such as those with chronic low back pain (cLBP). The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore participants’ perceptions of factors that influenced their ability to reduce SED across an 8-week intervention to reduce SED in adults with cLBP and elevated depressive symptoms.

Methods

Three months after a theory-based intervention to break up and reduce sitting, semi-structured interviews explored factors that influenced reducing SED. Three researchers independently coded each conversation. Codes were charted and mapped with participants reviewing their own transcripts and the merged codes. The research team then defined key themes. Factors that were perceived to either facilitate behavior change or acted as barriers were identified and thematized as positive or negative determinants.

Results

Common barriers for reducing SED included environmental constraints, opposing social norms, and productivity; these barriers were frequently encountered in the workplace. Common facilitators for reducing SED included habit development, self-monitoring tools, restructuring the physical environment, and social accountability. Notably, back pain was not a frequently reported barrier or facilitator for reducing SED.

Conclusion

This sample of patients with cLBP and elevated depressive symptoms had similar determinants for reducing SED as previously reported in non-patient populations and did not appear to need strategies specific to dealing with chronic pain. Since work-related social norms and environmental factors were perceived as significant barriers to sitting less, workplace interventions that provide standing desks, offer standing meetings rooms, and/or institution-wide standing breaks may help reduce SED at work. The use of an activity monitor with sitting reminders and education regarding how to use the reminders as external cues to develop new sitting habits may also aid in adoption and adherence to this behavior change across settings. Developing coping plans and restructuring physical environments were perceived as successful strategies for overcoming social and environmental barriers. Future interventions targeting SED reductions may benefit from incorporating these strategies.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10238-5.

The immediate effect of the abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique on stature change in seated sedentary workers with chronic low back pain

Many studies have measured stature change arising from loads imposed on the spine during sitting. To improve stature recovery, it is important to stabilise the lumbar spine and compensate forces from the upper body. The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) technique has been found to mainly activate deep trunk muscles. The purpose of this study was to determine whether activation of deep trunk muscles by the ADIM technique could immediately improve stature recovery during prolonged sitting. Twenty-four patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) were randomly allocated into different orders of experimental conditions: control (sitting without ADIM technique) and intervention conditions (sitting with ADIM technique). The latter condition required participants to complete ADIM technique for 1 min and repeat it three times throughout 41 min prolonged sitting time. Stature recovery was improved by 3.292 mm in the intervention condition compared with control condition (p-value = 0.001). Our finding demonstrated that ADIM technique improved stature recovery. Practitioner Summary: Prolonged sitting seemingly harms sedentary workers' health, particularly affecting the lower back. Activation of deep trunk muscles using abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique can promote spinal recovery. Clinicians can teach abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique to activate deep trunk muscles in chronic low back pain, thereby promoting self-management of seated stature recovery. Abbrevations: ADIM: abdominal drawing-in maneuver; RA: rectus abdominis; ICLT: iliocostalis lumborum pars thoracis; LM: lumbar multifidus; TrA: transversus abdominis; IO: internal oblique; CLBP: chronic low back pain; LBP: low back pain; RMDQ: Roland Morris disability questionnaire; NRS: numerical rating scale.

Musculoskeletal pain and its relation to individual and work-related factors: a cross-sectional study among Turkish office workers who work using computers

Objective. Office workers are commonly exposed to work-related musculoskeletal pain. This study investigated the individual and work-related risk factors linked to musculoskeletal pain and pain-related disability among Turkish office workers who work using computers. Methods. One-hundred and fifty office workers were included. Data were collected using an online survey with a combination of the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, Oswestry disability index (ODI), neck disability index (NDI) and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire short-form (Q-DASH). The participants were divided into four subgroups: no pain (n = 26), lower back pain (n = 37), neck pain (n = 49) and upper-extremity pain (n = 38). Results. There were differences between subgroups in terms of the condition that feet touch the floor and the condition that the keyboard, mouse and wrist are in a straight line (p = 0.013 and p = 0.025, respectively). Working years was correlated with the ODI score (ρ = 0.802, p = 0.041). There was also a significant correlation between the NDI score and working hours (ρ = 0.415, p = 0.003), while Q-DASH was correlated with body mass index and working years (ρ = 0.406, p = 0.014, and ρ = 0.327, p = 0.043, respectively). Conclusions. Pain-related disability was associated with various risk factors such as physical inactivity, body mass index, working hours, working years and workplace ergonomics in the office workers.

It is Time to Have Rest: How do Break Types Affect Muscular Activity and Perceived Discomfort During Prolonged Sitting Work

Background

Prolonged sitting at work can lead to adverse health outcomes. The health risk of office workers is an increasing concern for the society and industry, with prolonged sitting work becoming more prevalent.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the variation in muscle activities during prolonged sitting work and found out when and how to take a break to mitigate the risk of muscle symptoms.

Methods

A preliminary survey was conducted to find out the prevalence of muscle discomfort in sedentary work. Firstly, a 2-h sedentary computer work was designed based on the preliminary study to investigate the variation in muscle activities. Twenty-four participants took part in the electromyography (EMG) measurement study. The EMG variations in the trapezius muscle and latissimus dorsi were investigated. Then the intervention time was determined based on the EMG measurement study. Secondly, 48 participants were divided into six groups to compare the effectiveness of every break type (passive break, active break of changing their posture, and stand and stretch their body with 5 or 10 mins). Finally, data consisting of EMG amplitudes and spectra and subjective assessment of discomfort were analyzed.

Results

In the EMG experiment, results from the joint analysis of the spectral and amplitude method showed muscle fatigue after about 40 mins of sedentary work. In the intervention experiment, the results showed that standing and stretching for 5 mins was the most effective break type, and this type of break could keep the muscles' state at a recovery level for about 30−45 mins.

Conclusions

This study offers the possibility of being applied to office workers and provides preliminary data support and theoretical exploration for a follow-up early muscle fatigue detection system.

Prevalence and associated occupational factors of low back pain among the bank employees in Dhaka City

OBJECTIVE

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the common health problems among full-time office employees that causes absenteeism from work. The aim of the study is to identify the association between occupational factors and LBP among full-time bank employees in Dhaka City.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 593 full-time bank employees who were engaged in sedentary works. The 1-month complaint of LBP was measured using a subscale of subjective health complaints inventory. Multivariable logistic models were performed to identify variables related to LBP, and a random forest technique was performed to determine the top five important variables.

RESULTS

The 1-month prevalence for LBP was found to be 36.6% among the bank employees, and the prevalence was the highest (64.3%) for the 51- to 59-year-old age group. The regression analysis indicates that respondents from both agegroups, 41-50 years (OR = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10-3.69) and 51-59 years age groups (OR = 5.14, 95% CI = 2.05-13.64), are significantly associated with LBP. Furthermore, obesity (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.01-4.21), and prolong working hours (>9 hours) (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.01-2.0) are positively associated with LBP. The top five important variables for LBP identified by random forest technique are: age, length of employment, prolong office hours, presence of chronic illness, and physical activity.

CONCLUSION

LBP is highly prevalent in full-time bank employees. The occupational factors, including the length of employment (>10 years) and long working hours, play a significant role in developing LBP among bank employees. Moreover, several factors, including age, chronic illness, obesity, and physical activity, should be taken into account in the prevention of LBP in bank employees.