Influences of continuous sitting and psychosocial stress on low back kinematics, kinetics, discomfort, and localized muscle fatigue during unsupported sitting activities

Continuous seated postures may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes such as low-back pain, and this risk may be influenced by several modifying factors. In the present study, we aimed to quantify the effects of continuous sitting and psychosocial stress under an unsupported sitting condition. Fourteen participants completed continuous, 40 min. periods of computer-based tasks, involving both low and higher levels of psychosocial stress, while using a laptop computer without a desk. Continuous sitting significantly increased perceived discomfort (particularly in the upper and lower back), trunk flexion and metrics of localized muscle fatigue. A higher level of psychosocial stress increased estimated lumbosacral compression forces (by ∼12%). Only weak correlations were found between subjective and objective measures, while various fatigue metrics showed a good level of correspondence with each other. These results could support the future evaluation or design of diverse seated work configurations. Practitioner Summary: Continuous, 40 min. periods of unsupported sitting had broad impacts on subjective and objective outcomes, including discomfort, postures, spine loads and localized muscle fatigue, while psychosocial stress only had a substantial influence on lumbosacral compression. These results extend our understanding of sitting behaviors and provide information for designing future sitting environments.