Article

Effect of a kneeling chair on lumbar curvature in patients with low back pain and healthy controls: A pilot study

Authors:
  • Université de Strasbourg, Institut Universitaire de Réadaptation Clémenceau-Strasbourg, France
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Abstract

The concept of an ideal sitting posture is often used in practice but lacks a basis in evidence. We designed a cross-sectional, comparative, matched study to determine the effects of chair and posture on lumbar curvature in 10 patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CLBP; mean pain duration 24 ± 18 months) and 10 healthy matched controls. Pelvic incidence, sacral slope and lumbar curvature were measured on computed radiographs by 2 blinded clinicians for subjects in 2 postures (upright vs slumped sitting) and on 2 chairs (usual flat chair vs kneeling chair). The reliability of measures was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient>0.9). As hypothesized, the expected sacral slope and lumbar lordosis changed between standing and sitting on a kneeling chair as compared with a usual chair (P<0.0001) and less in patients than controls (P=0.046) for lordosis only. In addition, as expected, changes were more pronounced with slumped than upright sitting (P<0.0001). An interaction between chairs and postures for lumbar lordosis (P=0.02) indicated more pronounced effects of the chair in slumped sitting. Therefore, lumbar lordosis was reduced less when sitting on a kneeling chair as compared with a usual chair. Although healthy subjects showed more reduction in lordosis between standing and sitting, the chair effect was found in both CLBP patients and healthy subjects. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

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... The seat pan has a downward inclination of 20°. The leg rest has an upward inclination of 35°and is positioned anterior of the lower legs [267]. An additional supporting element on each shin was defined. ...
... In line with their findings, we observed a similar decrease in posterior pelvic rotation of 5°for the average Caucasian male sitting in the kneeling chair configuration compared to the simple chair configuration. Even though it is clear that the kneeling chair is able to maintain lumbar lordosis to a greater extent than regular chairs[38,267], so far there has been no clear evidence of the ability of the kneeling chair to reduce low back discomfort compared to a regular chair. Our theoretical study indicates that the kneeling chair results in a lower hip flexion angle and lower HJRF compared to the car seat and simple chair. ...
Thesis
The hip functions as a ball and socket joint, with cartilage layers that cover the joint surfaces on both sides protecting it from impacts and permitting smooth movements. When the cartilage is impaired by mechanical, infectious or inflammatory causes, the joint might eventually wear down - a disabling condition known as osteoarthritis. Recent literature indicates that up to 80\% of all osteoarthritis cases are potentially caused by subtle hip variations: the round shape of the ball (femur head) that is disturbed by a bump or/and the socket (acetabulum) that overcovers the femur head. These abnormal variants can give rise to conflicts and altered load distribution in the hip joint. When the load on the joint is no longer evenly distributed, peak stresses can arise in certain areas of the hip posing a risk of developing focal cartilage damage. Since the apparent prevalence of these morphological hip abnormalities is reported to be much higher than the number of actual patients, the question remains how to differentiate potential patients from incidental findings.The aim of this thesis was to describe and explore the impact of shape variation in the hip joint and by doing so improve the understanding of the mechanical environment of the hip joint. First differences in hip anatomy between white and Chinese subjects were mapped using a cross sectional design. Pelvic computed tomography scans of 201 subjects (99 white Belgians and 102 Chinese; 105 men and 96 women; 18-40 years old) were assessed. Ten radiographic parameters predisposing to femoroacetabular impingement were evaluated. The white subjects had a less spherical femoral head than the Chinese subjects. The Chinese subjects had less lateral acetabular coverage than the white subjects. A shallower acetabular configuration was predominantly present in Chinese women. Static and dynamic variation in hip joint reaction forces was evaluated using an experimental computational modeling design. We therefore calculated the hip joint reaction force and hip flexion angle in a virtual representative male Caucasian population by means of musculoskeletal modeling of three distinct sitting configurations: a simple chair, a car seat and a kneeling chair configuration. The observed median hip joint reaction force in relation to body weight and hip flexion angle, respectively, was 22.3$\%$ body weight and 63° for the simple chair, 22.5$\%$ body weight and 79° for the car seat and 8.7$\%$ body weight and 50° for the kneeling chair. The kneeling chair appears to hold the greatest potential as an ergonomic sitting configuration for the hip joint since it requires the lowest hip flexion angle and hip joint reaction force of these 3 distinct sitting configurations. Dynamic mapping of deep squat hip kinetics was performed in young, athletic adults using a personalized numerical model solution based on inverse dynamics. Thirty-five healthy subjects underwent deep squat motion capture acquisitions and MRI scans of the lower extremities. Musculoskeletal models were personalized using each subject’s lower limb anatomy. The average peak hip joint reaction force was found to be 274$\%$ body weight. Average peak hip and knee flexion angles were 107° and 112° respectively. Deep squatting kinetics in the younger population differ substantially from the previously reported in vivo data in older subjects. In order to map variation in cartilage stress, a numerical discrete element analysis algorithm was developed. A validation study with hip joint contact stress data from 10 healthy subjects calculated by means of subject-specific finite element analysis was performed. Furthermore an efficient cartilage anatomy prediction tool was defined that does not require manual cartilage image segmentation. We showed that this novel population-averaged cartilage anatomy prediction method, integrated with the discrete element analysis algorithm could provide an efficient platform to predict cartilage contact stresses in large populations compared to subject specific finite element analysis. The mechanical effect of arthroscopic cam resection in femoroacetabular impingement was explored with a case-control study design. For this purpose, patient-specific discrete element models from 10 cam type femoroacetabular patients (all male, aged 18-40 years old) were defined based on preoperative CT and postoperative MRI scans. Complete cam resection postoperatively on MRI was confirmed with alpha angles $<$ 55°. The preoperative and postoperative peak contact stress findings during impingement testing were compared against a matched virtual control group. Peak contact stress was significantly elevated in patients with cam type femoroacetabular impingement during impingement testing with increasing amount of internal rotation. This effect was however normalized following arthroscopic cam resection and loading patterns matched those of the control group. Using multidimensional statistics and personalized load and stress predictions, we were able to demonstrate that the important population variation in shape and joint mechanics adds to differences in the onset and progression of cartilage lesions of the hip joint. Further, our work contributes to an improved identification and classification of patients who are truly at risk for developing cartilage damage. The final step of this thesis was to gradually transfer these findings into practice at the operating theater. We demonstrated that an accurate surgical treatment of cam lesions has the potential to effectively restore the normal mechanical environment of the hip.
... When comparing the results of Annetts, et al. (2012), to other research findings, there are varying opinions. For example, the kneeler seat improved lumbar lordosis in a less significant manner than that of a standard office chair, as determined by Vaucher, Isner-Horobeti, Demattei, et al. (2015). Bettany-Saltikov, Warren, Jobson, et al. (2008), found conflicting results to that of Vaucher, et al. (2015), noting that an ergonomically designed kneeling chair set to greater than 20° of inclination, maintains a better lumbar curvature than that of an individual who is standing. ...
... For example, the kneeler seat improved lumbar lordosis in a less significant manner than that of a standard office chair, as determined by Vaucher, Isner-Horobeti, Demattei, et al. (2015). Bettany-Saltikov, Warren, Jobson, et al. (2008), found conflicting results to that of Vaucher, et al. (2015), noting that an ergonomically designed kneeling chair set to greater than 20° of inclination, maintains a better lumbar curvature than that of an individual who is standing. Note that Bettany-Saltikov, et al. (2008), did not have study participants perform any of-fice work. ...
... The system-level interaction could be initiated to counterbalance the back-warded center of gravity (CoG), caused by posterior pelvic tilting, with forward head posture (Devroey et al., 2007;Birrell et al., 2009). The hyper-kyphotic back posture could generate greater compression force in the intervertebral discs, and hence induces pain and discomfort on the surrounding tissues (Wilder et al., 1988;McGill & Brown, 1992;Vaucher et al., 2015). Previous studies suggested a possible danger of this concave lumbar posture in which three lower intervertebral joints (from L3 to S1) could reach the end of their motion (Nachemson, 1976;Dunk et al., 2009). ...
Article
Carrying a bag while wearing high-heels during daily life could potentially cause back pain. No study has investigated the combined effects of wearing a backpack and high-heels on trunk biomechanics from a system-level interaction viewpoint. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the effects of high-heel height, backpack weight, and habituation in high-heels use on upper body biomechanics. Sixteen female study participants, all in their 20s, were divided into high-heel USER and NON-USER groups, and asked to carry a backpack with 0%, 5% and 10% of their body weight while either not wearing or wearing (0 cm and 9 cm) high-heels. Trunk kinematics and muscle activations were measured under the neutral standing posture while gazing straight ahead in experimental trials. First, the USERS tended to show hyper-lumbar lordosis when wearing high-heels, but the NON-USERS experienced lumbar kyphosis. In line with this, the USERS showed significantly greater recruitment of back muscles (35.5%), but the NON-USERS tended to recruit significantly more abdominal muscles (80%) to control their posture. Second, carrying a backpack sequentially induced posterior pelvic tilting, lumbar kyphosis, and forward head posture which is a stereotype posture of the hyper-kyphotic back and which suggests a system-level interaction from the lower extremity to the head. Third, the backpack weight eliminated the effect of wearing high-heels in the lumbar flexion angle, which may act as a counterbalance to pull the center of gravity (CoG) posteriorly. Relevance to industry Caution must be taken in the long-term use of high-heels and a backpack. Carrying a backpack weighing about 5% of the body weight is recommended to counterbalance the hyper-lordotic lumbar posture when wearing high-heels if unavoidable.
... Bridger et al. (1989) also compared five sitting postures and reported a more lordotic lumbar posture in the forward-sloping chair (or kneeling chair) and a more kyphotic lumbar posture in the semi-squatting posture. In particular, the pelvis extension increased with increasing tightening of the hamstring, leading to a kyphotic lumbar posture (Bendix, 1984;Claus et al., 2009;De Carvalho et al., 2010;Dunk et al., 2009;Keegan, 1953;Mandal, 1983;O'Sullivan et al., 2012;Vaucher et al., 2015). In summary, although these studies only investigated the seat design variables and focused on the lower back, they suggested a possible pathway between the lower extremity and trunk (e.g., lower back, upper back, and neck) while sitting. ...
Article
Objective This study examined a system-level perspective to investigate the changes in the whole trunk and head postures while sitting with various lower extremity postures. Background Sitting biomechanics has focused mainly on the lumbar region only, whereas the anatomy literature has suggested various links from the head and lower extremity. Method Seventeen male participants were seated in six lower extremity postures, and the trunk kinematics and muscle activity measures were captured for 5 s. Results Changes in the trunk-thigh angle and the knee angle affected the trunk and head postures and muscle recruitment patterns significantly, indicating significant interactions between the lower extremity and trunk while sitting. Specifically, the larger trunk-thigh angle (T135°) showed more neutral lumbar lordosis (4.0° on average), smaller pelvic flexion (1.8°), smaller head flexion (3.3°), and a less rounded shoulder (1.7°) than the smaller one (T90°). The smaller knee angle (K45°) revealed a more neutral lumbar lordosis (6.9°), smaller pelvic flexion (9.2°), smaller head flexion (2.6°), and less rounded shoulder (2.4°) than the larger condition (K180°). The more neutral posture suggested by the kinematic measures confirmed significantly less muscular recruitment in the trunk extensors, except for a significant antagonistic co-contraction. Conclusion The lower and upper back postures were more neutral, and back muscle recruitment was lower with a larger trunk-thigh angle and a smaller knee angle, but at the cost of antagonistic co-contraction. Application The costs and benefits of each lower extremity posture can be used to design an ergonomic chair and develop an improved sitting strategy.
... National [ Figure 4 here] The advantages of sitting on the floor have also been studied by Sen (1984), and few sukhasana based posture sensing chairs to reduce sedentary behaviour of contemporary work life have been designed by Brodeur (2009), Sammie (2012) and Rajaram (2016). The kneeling or Balans chair by Mengshoel (1983), based on Virasana or Vajrasana, has been analysed and found to be more effective in reducing lumbar lordosis than conventional sitting chairs (Saltikov, Warren, and Jobson 2008;Vaucher et al. 2015). ...
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Full-text available
The use of ergonomics principles can be traced back to ancient times, much before the coining of the term ‘ergonomics’. Ancient civilisations of Greece, China, and India followed well laid down principles of usability and human factors. These are evident in their furniture design, tool design, and other practices to minimise workers’ workload. In ancient India, most daily activities like cooking, dining, defecation, etc., and occupations like pottery making, shoemaking, education in gurukuls (traditional residential schools), etc., used one or the other asanas (postures). The aim was to maintain the body’s natural shape, avoiding the ill effects of poor body posture. The present paper reviews those domains of practice viz. posture, architecture, agriculture and furniture design in ancient India (2500 BCE to 1100 CE), where modern ergonomics principles seem evident.
... This position presents several advantages over Staffel's, such as tilting the pelvis forwards (anteversion), maintaining lumbar lordosis, and decreasing intradiscal pressure (Noro et al., 2012). Common ergonomic designs that promote these beneficial posturesas well as alternation and movement -have used higher chairs with forward slopes, saddle chairs, and adjustable height desks (Mandal, 1991;Roossien et al., 2017;Kuster et al., 2018;Noguchi et al., 2019;Chambers et al., 2019;Vaucher et al., 2015;Johnston et al., 2019). Demonstrated across different populations -from dentists (Gouvêa et al., 2018) to school children (Castellucci et al., 2016a,b) -hybrid sitting interventions incorporate furniture and equipment that allow users to modify their sitting posture according to their preference, work-related use, and comfort. ...
Article
Anthropometry is critical for product and workplace design. Highly prevalent, office work is associated with sedentarism and physical discomfort due to prolonged sitting. Dynamic seating (alternating across sitting, perching, and standing) has been suggested as an alternative to overcome those problems. The current study tested a large sample of anthropometric data for mismatch levels against national and international office furniture standards using dynamic seating as a framework with traditional and perching mismatch equations, applied to three recommended dynamic seating components. Dimensions present in the standards used did not match the majority of the sample. For sitting, seat width and depth individually presented the lowest levels of match, as well as under cumulative fit of all office furniture dimensions. However, these were alleviated when incorporating adjustability. Perching was shown to be generally impeded given commercially-available chair height options. Limitations in state-of-the-art perching equations are discussed, and two new models are proposed as design alternatives. Further research should focus on testing the criteria presented in this research through discomfort and objective measures.
... Spine and pelvis alignment have often been considered in relation to LBP. Although many studies failed to find differences between individuals with and without LBP, 53,127 differences such as greater lumbar flexion/posterior pelvic tilt, lumbar extension, or flattening of the lumbar spine have been identified when specific subgroups within the heterogeneous LBP population were studied. 10,45,81 Low back pain is commonly expected to be associated with compromised quality of control of trunk posture and the contribution of the trunk to overall whole-body postural control. ...
Article
Synopsis: Compared to healthy individuals, patients with low back pain demonstrate differences in all aspects of trunk motor control that are most often studied as differences in muscle activity and kinematics. However, differences in these aspects of motor control are largely inconsistent. We propose that this may reflect the existence of 2 phenotypes or possibly the ends of a spectrum, with "tight control" over trunk movement at one end and "loose control" at the other. Both may have beneficial effects, with tight control protecting against large tissue strains from uncontrolled movement and loose control protecting against high muscle forces and resulting spinal compression. Both may also have long-term negative consequences. For example, whereas tight control may cause high compressive loading on the spine and sustained muscle activity, loose control may cause excessive tensile strains of tissues. Moreover, both phenotypes could be the result of either an adaptation process aimed at protecting the low back or direct interference of low back pain and related changes with trunk motor control. The existence of such phenotypes would suggest different motor control exercise interventions. Although some promising data supporting these phenotypes have been reported, it remains to be shown whether these phenotypes are valid, how treatment can be targeted to these phenotypes, and whether this targeting yields superior clinical outcomes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(6):370-379. Epub 12 Jun 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.7917.
... Suitable neuromuscular control of lumbar spine can prevent spinal disorders [2]. The best sitting mode is still unclear, but in general lumbar lordosis should be avoided [3]. So in this study the best sitting mode is when the lordosis is similar to that of standing position [4]. ...
Article
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Background Right sitting not only leads to flatness of the lumbar spine and waistline, it also causes other problems for health. The curved body pushes into lungs and breathing will be problematic. Purpose The main purpose of this study was investigating changing procedure of lumber muscles patterns and its relationship with the occurrence of fatigue. Methods Participants were ten male with average age 24 ± 1. Firstly, the process of fatigue during sitting was observed by mid-frequency index. For performing the necessary analysis, the 10-second window of time was used. The 15 minutes of time trial was divided into 3 sub-terms. Each sub-term was investigated separately. The sub-terms contain: The beginning of record until the 90th second, from the 90th second to the 600th second and from the 600th second to the 900th second. Results Results showed that in each subject there were synergy patterns in both of the first and the second sub-terms. Maximum error between basis vectors in all of the subjects were 0.87 and 0.79 respectively and standard deviations were 5 and 10 respectively (Mean square error index). In some participants, there were not any synergy patterns in the third sub-term (minimum error between basis vectors in all of the subjects was 18 and standard deviation was 7.5) while in other participants, their muscles still followed special synergy patterns (maximum error between basis vectors in all of the subjects was 0.98 standard deviation was 7.5). Conclusions Comparing the synergy patterns between different participants has determined that the synergy patterns were the same only in the first sub-term.
... Przedstawione rozwiązanie ma szereg udogodnień w stosunku do klasycznego fotela [5], a zwłaszcza umożliwia zmianę rozkładu nacisków powierzchniowych siedziska na ciało człowieka. Dzięki temu można czasowo odciążyć najbardziej obciążone obszary. ...
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The paper presents the method of human body modeling in order to perform the FEM simulation of pressure distributions on the seat components. A CAD model was developed, taking into account internal anatomical features. As a human position, the system was based on the support of the chest, buttocks and shins.
... Klasyczne siedzisko z oparciem zastąpiono układem podpierającym klatkę piersiową, uda i podudzia (rys. 1), oferującym szereg udogodnień [4]. Regulowana wysokość siedziska daje możliwość przesiadania się na łóżko czy krzesło bez pomocy osób trzecich. ...
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An innovative concept of the seat design in the wheelchair for persons with disabilities is discussed. The solution is presented as a CAD model as well as in the form of a real model. Additionally, prospects of consolidation of electronic actuators are shown providing for visualization of concepts and principles of operation.
... It is evident that sloping/kneeling chair preserves lordosis and sacral slope with upright as well as slumped posture than a flat one; it results in less tissue strain which in turns lowers back pain. So why it is preferable to sit on a sloping chair than flat one [1], this means flexible wearable chair provides better comfort than that of flat one for the same working posture. ...
Article
Full-text available
The flexible wearable chair is like a light weight mobile exoskeleton that allows people to sit any- where in any working position. The traditional chair is difficult to move to different working loca- tions due to its large size, heavy weight (~5 - 7 kg) and rigid structure and thus, they are inappro- priate for workplaces where enough space is not available. Flexible wearable chair has a gross weight of 3 kg as it utilizes light-weight aluminium alloy members. Unlike the traditional chair, it consists of kinematic pairs which enable taking halts between continuous movements at any working position and thus, it is capable of reducing the risk of the physical musculoskeletal dis- order substantially among workers. The objective of this paper is to focus on the mechanical de- sign and finite element analysis (FEA) of the mechanism using ANSYS® software. In the present work, all the parts of the mechanism are designed under static load condition. The results of the analysis indicate that flexible wearable chair satisfies equilibrium and stability criterion and is capable of reducing fatigue during working in an assembly line/factory.
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Objective Opioid-sparing anesthesia reduces intraoperative use of opioids and postoperative adverse reactions. The current study investigated the effect of esketamine-based opioid-sparing anesthesia on total laparoscopic hysterectomy patients' recovery. Methods Ninety patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy were randomly assigned to esketamine-based group (group K) or opioid-based group (group C). The allocation to groups was unknown to patients, surgeons, and postoperative medical staff. The inability to implement blinding for anesthesiologists was due to the distinct procedures followed by the various groups while administering drugs. The QoR-40 and VAS were used to measure recovery quality. Postoperative adverse events, perioperative opioid consumption, and intraoperative hemodynamics were secondary endpoints. Results There was an absence of notable discrepancy in the baseline data observed between the two groups. The QoR-40 scores exhibited greater values in group K when compared to group C on the first day following the surgical procedure (160.91 ± 9.11 vs 151.47 ± 8.35, respectively; mean difference 9.44 [95 %CI: 5.78–13.11]; P < 0.01). Within 24 h of surgery, the VAS score of group K was lower at rest and during movement. (P < 0.05 for each). Group K had much lower rates of nausea and vomiting within 24 h of surgery. (P < 0.05 for each). Group K received significantly lower total doses of sufentanil and remifentanil than group C. (17.28 ± 2.59 vs 43.43 ± 3.52; 0.51 ± 0.15 vs 1.24 ± 0.24). The proportion of patients who used ephedrine in surgery was higher in group C than in group K (P < 0.05). Conclusions Esketamine-based opioid-sparing anesthesia strategy is feasible and enhanced recuperation following surgery by decreasing adverse effects associated with opioids and pain scores compared to an opioid-based anesthetic regimen.
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As the increasing usage scenarios of tablet computers led to more non-neutral postures, optimizing the touchscreen gesture input became imminent to improve system performance and users’ well-being. Therefore, we conducted a study to investigate the influence of four tablet configurations and seven touchscreen gestures on electromyography, performance, and subjective assessment. Our results indicated that muscular loads of shoulder decreased under the Stand-Hand configuration while it increased under the Sit-Table during gesture interaction. We also found that Drag-Up and Drag-Left tended to possess higher muscular loads of shoulder while Drag-Down caused greater muscular loads of index finger. Besides, two-touch gestures spent longer duration when performing long-distance movements. Dragging in the inner direction was supposed to be more efficient than that in the outer direction. Our findings could provide a scientific basis for guiding the appropriate selection and the use of touchscreen interaction in the future HCI field.
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Objective This study evaluated a standing armrest to provide more acceptable ergonomic guidelines that may reduce the cost of standing computer workstations. Background Of the many advantages of standing workstations, there have been no efforts to minimize the biomechanical cost, such as larger wrist extension and greater forearm muscle activity than sitting. Method Sixteen participants were asked to perform a typing task under a combination of the following factors: (1) desk shape (rectangular and concave); (2) desk height (0, +5, -5 cm from 90° elbow flexion); and (3) monitor height (0, −10 cm from the eyes). During the trials, the trunk kinematics, muscle activation levels, and CoP were recorded. Results Both arms were further away from the upper body under the concave and +5 desk height than under the normal condition, but significant decreases in the extensor carpi radialis (8.6%), anterior deltoid (28.8%), and L4 paraspinals (5.5%) were observed. Similarly, the wrist extension angle decreased by 10.5° (42%) under this condition, but the posture required a 2.2° (19%) increase in wrist adduction angle. The CoP irregularity was greater under the concave workstation, indicating more complex motion. Conclusion A higher and concave desk can provide an armrest effect while engaged in a standing workstation by reducing the wrist extension and related muscle activation level, but at the cost of a larger wrist adduction angle. Application Providing a standing armrest (+5 cm height and concave desk) could reduce the stresses on the upper extremities, but a split keyboard should be considered to minimize wrist adduction.
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The tightened hamstring connecting the tibia to the pelvis provides more posterior pelvic tilting and consequent backward curvature of the sacral and lumbar vertebrae. Therefore, the study goal was to quantitatively investigate the effect of hamstring and low back stretching on the trunk biomechanics in a system-level perspective. Twelve healthy subjects performed two stretching interventions (hamstring only (HS); hamstring + low back (HLS)) for 40 s on two separate days. They sat on a stool before and after the intervention while capturing trunk kinematics and EMG. In addition, the lumbar flexion angle at which the L4 paraspinals deactivate (i.e., flexion-relaxation phenomenon; FRP) was monitored while trunk flexion-extension trials, performed before and after the protocol. The FRP onset angle was captured to verify the biomechanical changes in the lower extremity and trunk systems. In the results, the stretching intervention significantly increased the reaching distance by 6.3 cm in the sit-and-reach test performed immediately before and after the intervention. The flexible hamstring improved the lumbar flexion angle and head postures in both the HS and HLS. However, the HLS induced laxity in lumbar passive tissues, as confirmed by changes in the FRP, and significantly increased co-activation in the low back. The stress-relaxation of the hamstring and surrounding passive tissues could help to maintain better lumbar flexion angle (i.e., lumbar lordosis) while sitting. Periodic HS for 40 s without any significant lumbar flexion may be recommendable for office workers who sit for long periods.
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In this study, a human-chair model was developed as the basis for a wearable-chair design. A prototype chair, HUST-EC, based on the model was fabricated and evaluated. Employing the optimization under the golden divisional method, an optimized simulation of the operating mode with the lowest chair height was implemented. A novel multi-link support structure has been established with parameters optimized using Matlab software. The stress analysis of the solid models was conducted to ensure the adequate support from the designed chair for the user. Ten subjects participated in the evaluation experiment, who performed both static tasks and dynamic tasks. The experimental results consisted of subjective evaluation and objective evaluation. The experimental data demonstrate that (1) the HUST-EC can effectively reduce the activation level of related muscles at a variety of tasks; (2) the plantar pressure was reduced by 54%–67%; (3) the angle between the upper body and the vertical axis was reduced by 59%–77%; (4) the subjective scores for chair comfortability, portability, and stability were all higher than 7. The results further revealed that the designed chair can reduce the musculoskeletal burden and may improve work efficiency.
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El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica es analizar la bibliografía científica actual para conocer si existe relación entre la lordosis lumbar y el dolor lumbar. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos Medline, Pubmed y Cinahl, empleando los descriptores “lordosis” y “low back pain”. Se obtuvieron 111 resultados y, tras aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se analizaron 14 artículos. Se investigan los cambios que se producen en la lordosis lumbar con diferentes posiciones, pruebas o ejercicios entre personas con dolor lumbar y personas sanas. No se puede establecer un vínculo claro entre la lordosis y el dolor lumbar. Es necesario realizar investigaciones más profundas sobre el tema, estableciendo las variables y características que deben reunir los participantes del estudio, así como el tipo de dolor lumbar y edades más frecuentes donde se desarrolla el dolor y el protocolo de medición más adecuado para la lordosis lumbar.
Article
Purpose: To assess differences in spinal, pelvic and lower limb parameters in healthy individuals during a stand-to-sit task using three different seating conditions. Methods: Ten healthy adults carried out three stand-to-sit movements on different stools: a high ergonomic stool with the seat tilted 10° forward; a standard stool (adjusted to the same height as the ergonomic stool) and a standard stool at a lower level (so their thighs were horizontal). Movements were recorded by an optoelectronic Vicon system. Results: Hip flexion was altered by the height of the seat (significantly greater for the low standard stool in comparison to either the ergonomic stool or the high standard stool (p < 0.0001)). There was also significantly less knee flexion with the ergonomic stool in comparison to the low standard stool (p < 0.0001) and to the high standard stool (p = 0.0017). Lumbar lordosis was not significantly altered by seat height, although it was less pronounced with the ergonomic stool, with a significantly higher range of motion for the pelvis (p = 0.015). At the thoracic level, no differences were observed, except that the stand-to-sit movement on the lower stool produced greater flexion. Conclusion: Lumbar lordosis was not increased by the ergonomic stool and the range of lower limb motion was reduced by the high seat. These findings contrast with current opinion that ergonomic seats promote lumbar lordosis.
Article
Increasing concerns about musculoskeletal disorders in the upper back arising from excessive daily use of the smartwatch have been widely validated by the rising prevalence of discomfort. This study explored the smartwatch as a potential ergonomic intervention over the smartphone. Fourteen healthy participants completed five tasks (application setting, calling, message typing, message checking and vocal message entry) with smartphone and smartwatch in both sitting and standing postures. The neck-shoulder kinematics and muscle activation levels were monitored to assess the effects of the tasks, devices, and postures. The results indicated greater head flexion, head rotation and shoulder abduction and greater muscle activities for smartwatch use compared to smartphone use, but the performance measure (i.e., elapsed time) was superior for smartwatch use in all tasks except message typing. Collectively, only short and simple tasks such as message checking and application setting should be conducted with the smartwatch.
Article
Sitting is part of our daily work and leisure activities and can be performed in different configurations. To date, the impact of different sitting configurations on hip joint loading has not been studied. We therefore evaluated the hip joint reaction force (HJRF) and hip flexion angle in a virtual representative male Caucasian population by means of musculoskeletal modelling of three distinct sitting configurations: a simple chair, a car seat and a kneeling chair configuration. The observed median HJRF in relation to body weight and hip flexion angle, respectively, was 22.3% body weight (%BW) and 63° for the simple chair, 22.5%BW and 79° for the car seat and 8.7%BW and 50° for the kneeling chair. Even though the absolute values of HJRF are low compared to the forces generated during dynamic activities, a relative reduction of over 50% in HJRF was observed in the kneeling chair configuration. Second, the hip flexion angles were both in the kneeling chair (−29°) and simple chair configuration (−16°) lower compared to the car seat and, as such, did not reach the threshold value for femoroacetabular conflict. In conclusion, the kneeling chair appears to hold the greatest potential as an ergonomic sitting configuration for the hip joint.
Article
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The role of the pelvic area in sagittal balance is evident for spinal surgeons, but the influence of the coxofemoral joint is underestimated and inadequately explained by conventional imagery. Comprehensive analysis of the pelvic and subpelvic sectors as part of the sagittal, frontal and cross-sectional balance of the trunk sheds new light on some spinal diseases and their relation to the pelvis. This analysis, based on innovative radiologic methods as the EOS(®) technology but also on a new look at conventional imaging makes it possible to better analyze standing lateral images and seated images. Disturbances can come from atypical morphotypes or from unusual postures as in aging spine. The measurement of available extension and the concept of available flexion provide new information regarding individual's adaptation to the imbalance induced by disorders of the spine or lower limbs. A comprehensive assessment of each patient and in particular of the complex comprising the spine and the pelvis, is essential for understanding each individual's adaptation to the imbalance induced by disorders of the spine or lower limbs.
Article
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The neutral zone is a region of intervertebral motion around the neutral posture where little resistance is offered by the passive spinal column. Several studies--in vitro cadaveric, in vivo animal, and mathematical simulations--have shown that the neutral zone is a parameter that correlates well with other parameters indicative of instability of the spinal system. It has been found to increase with injury, and possibly with degeneration, to decrease with muscle force increase across the spanned level, and also to decrease with instrumented spinal fixation. In most of these studies, the change in the neutral zone was found to be more sensitive than the change in the corresponding range of motion. The neutral zone appears to be a clinically important measure of spinal stability function. It may increase with injury to the spinal column or with weakness of the muscles, which in turn may result in spinal instability or a low-back problem. It may decrease, and may be brought within the physiological limits, by osteophyte formation, surgical fixation/fusion, and muscle strengthening. The spinal stabilizing system adjusts so that the neutral zone remains within certain physiological thresholds to avoid clinical instability.
Article
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To develop a new sitting spinal model and an optimal driver's seat by using review of the literature of seated positions of the head. spine, pelvis, and lower extremities. Searches included MEDLINE for scientific journals, engineering standards, and textbooks. Key terms included sitting ergonomics, sitting posture, spine model, seat design, sitting lordosis, sitting electromyography, seated vibration, and sitting and biomechanics. In part I, papers were selected if (1) they contained a first occurrence of a sitting topic, (2) were reviews of the literature, (3) corrected errors in previous studies, or (4) had improved study designs compared with previous papers. In part II, we separated information pertaining to sitting dynamics and drivers of automobiles from part 1. Sitting causes the pelvis to rotate backward and causes reduction in lumbar lordosis, trunk-thigh angle, and knee angle and an increase in muscle effort and disc pressure. Seated posture is affected by seat-back angle, seat-bottom angle and foam density, height above floor, and presence of armrests. The configuration of the spine, postural position, and weight transfer is different in the 3 types of sitting: anterior, middle, and posterior. Lumbar lordosis is affected by the trunk-thigh angle and the knee angle. Subjects in seats with backrest inclinations of 110 to 130 degrees, with concomitant lumbar support, have the lowest disc pressures and lowest electromyography recordings from spinal muscles. A seat-bottom posterior inclination of 5 degrees and armrests can further reduce lumbar disc pressures and electromyography readings while seated. To reduce forward translated head postures, a seat-back inclination of 110 degrees is preferable over higher inclinations. Work objects, such as video monitors, are optimum at eye level. Forward-tilting, seat-bottom inclines can increase lordosis, but subjects give high comfort ratings to adjustable chairs, which allow changes in position.
Article
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To present a critical review and evaluate recent reports investigating sitting-while-at-work as a risk factor for low back pain (LBP). The Medline, Embase and OSH-ROM databases were searched for articles dealing with sitting at work in relation to low back pain for the years 1985-97. The studies were divided into those dealing with sitting-while-working and those dealing with sedentary occupations. Each article was systematically abstracted for core items. The quality of each article was determined based on the representativeness of the study sample, the definition of LBP, and the statistical analysis. Thirty-five reports were identified, 14 dealing with sitting-while-working and 21 with sedentary occupations. Eight studies were found to have a representative sample, a clear definition of LBP and a clear statistical analysis. Regardless of quality, all but one of the studies failed to find a positive association between sitting-while-working and LBP. High quality studies found a marginally negative association for sitting compared to diverse workplace exposures, e.g. standing, driving, lifting bending, and compared to diverse occupations. One low quality study associated sitting in a poor posture with LBP. The extensive recent epidemiological literature does not support the popular opinion that sitting-while-at-work is associated with LBP.
Article
Study Design. The effect of sitting versus standing posture on lumbar lordosis was studied retrospectively by radiographic analysis of 109 patients with low back pain. Objective. To document changes in segmental and total lumbar lordosis between sitting and standing radiographs. Summary of Background Data. Preservation of physiologic lumbar lordosis is an important consideration when performing fusion of the lumbar spine. The appropriate degree of lumbar lordosis has not been defined. Methods. Total and segmental lumbar lordosis from L1 to S1 was assessed by an independent observer using the Cobb angle measurements of the lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine obtained with the patient in the sitting and standing positions. Results. Lumbar lordosis averaged 49° standing and 34° sitting from L1 to S1, 47° standing and 33° sitting from L2 to S1, 31° standing and 22° sitting from L4 to S1, and 18° standing and 15° sitting from L5 to S1. Conclusion. Lumbar lordosis while standing was nearly 50% greater on average than sitting lumbar lordosis. The clinical significance of this data may pertain to: 1) the known correlation of increased intradiscal pressure with sitting, which may be caused by this decrease in lordosis; 2) the benefit of a sitting lumbar support that increases lordosis; and 3) the consideration of an appropriate degree of lordosis in fusion of the lumbar spine.
Article
To investigate the effects of four office chairs on the postural angles of the lumbopelvic and cervical regions. Which chair(s) produce an "ideal" spinal posture? An experimental same subject design was used involving healthy subjects (n = 14) who conducted a typing task whilst sitting on four different office chairs; two "dynamic" chairs (Vari-Kneeler and Swopper), and two static chairs (Saddle and Standard Office with back removed). Data collection was via digital photogrammetry, measuring pelvic and lumbar angles, neck angle and head tilt which were then analysed within MatLab. A repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni corrections for multiple comparisons was conducted. Statistically significant differences were identified for posterior pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis between the Vari-Kneeler and Swopper chairs (p = 0.006, p = 0.001) and the Vari-Kneeler and Standard Office chairs (p = 0.000, 0.000); and also for neck angle and head tilt between the Vari-Kneeler and Swopper chairs (p = 0.000, p = 0.000), the Vari-Kneeler and Saddle chairs (p = 0.002, p = 0.001), the Standard Office and Swopper chairs (p = 0.000, p = 0.000), and the Standard Office and Saddle chairs (p = 0.005, p = 0.001). This study confirms a within region association between posterior pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis, and between neck angle and head tilt. It was noted that an ideal lumbopelvic position does not always result in a corresponding ideal cervical position resulting in a spinal alignment mismatch. In this study, the most appropriate posture for the lumbopelvic region was produced by the Saddle chair and for the cervical region by both the Saddle and Swopper chairs. No chair consistently produced an ideal posture across all regions, although the Saddle chair created the best posture of those chairs studied. Chair selection should be based on individual need.
Article
Seated postures are achieved with a moderate amount of lumbo-sacral flexion and sustained lumbo-sacral spine flexion has been associated with detrimental effects to the tissues surrounding a spinal joint. The purpose of this study was to determine if the lower intervertebral joints of the lumbo-sacral spine approach their end ranges of motion in seated postures. Static sagittal digital X-ray images of the lumbo-sacral region from L3 to the top of the sacrum were obtained in five standing and seated postures from 27 participants. Vertebral body bony landmarks were manually digitized and intervertebral joint angles were calculated for the three lower lumbo-sacral joints. In upright sitting, the L5/S1 intervertebral joint was flexed to more than 60% of its total range of motion. Each of the lower three intervertebral joints approached their total flexion angles in the slouched sitting posture. These observations were the same regardless of gender. The results support the idea that lumbo-sacral flexion is driven by rotation of the pelvis and lower intervertebral joints in seated postures. This is the first study to quantitatively show that the lower lumbo-sacral joints approach their total range of motion in seated postures. While not directly measured, the findings suggest that there could be increased loading of the passive tissues surrounding the lower lumbo-sacral intervertebral joints, contributing to low back pain and/or injury from prolonged sitting.
Article
There is a lack of quantitative evidence for spinal postures that are advocated as 'ideal' in clinical ergonomics for sitting. This study quantified surface spinal curves and examined whether subjects could imitate clinically 'ideal' directions of spinal curve at thoraco-lumbar and lumbar regions: (i) flat - at both regions (ii) long lordosis - lordotic at both regions (iii) short lordosis - thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. Ten healthy male subjects had 3-D motion sensors adhered to the skin so that sagittal spinal curves were represented by angles at thoracic (lines between T1-T5 and T5-T10), thoraco-lumbar (T5-T10 and T10-L3) and lumbar regions (T10-L3 and L3-S2). Subjects attempted to imitate pictures of spinal curves for the flat, long lordosis, short lordosis and a slumped posture, and were then given feedback/manual facilitation to achieve the postures. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare spinal angles between posture and facilitation conditions. Results show that although subjects imitated postures with the same curve direction at thoraco-lumbar and lumbar regions (slumped, flat or long lordosis), they required feedback/manual facilitation to differentiate the regional curves for the short lordosis posture. Further study is needed to determine whether the clinically proposed 'ideal' postures provide clinical advantages.
Article
This study compared the effects of sitting with portable supports in either a kyphotic or lordotic posture on low-back and referred pain. Two hundred ten patients with low-back and/or referred pain were randomly assigned to either a kyphotic posture or lordotic posture group. The kyphotic and lordotic postures were facilitated by the use of a flat foam cushion or lumbar roll, respectively. Pain location, back pain, and leg pain intensity were assessed over a 24-48-hour period under both standardized clinical settings and general sitting environments. When sitting with a lordotic posture, back and leg pain were significantly reduced and referred pain shifted towards the low back. This study demonstrates that in general sitting environments a lumbar roll results in: 1) reductions in back and leg pain; and 2) centralization of pain. These findings do not apply to patients with stenosis or spondylolisthesis, whose symptoms may be aggravated by use of a lumbar roll.
Article
A series of experiments showing how posture affects the lumbar spine is reviewed. Postures which flatten (that is, flex) the lumbar spine are compared with those that preserve the lumbar lordosis. Our review shows that flexed postures have several advantages: flexion improves the transport of metabolites in the intervertebral discs, reduces the stresses on the apophyseal joints and on the posterior half of the annulus fibrosus, and gives the spine a high compressive strength. Flexion also has disadvantages: it increases the stress on the anterior annulus and increases the hydrostatic pressure in the nucleus pulposus at low load levels. The disadvantages are not of much significance and we conclude that it is mechanically and nutritionally advantageous to flatten the lumbar spine when sitting and when lifting heavy weights.
Article
The effect of sitting versus standing posture on lumbar lordosis was studied retrospectively by radiographic analysis of 109 patients with low back pain. To document changes in segmental and total lumbar lordosis between sitting and standing radiographs. Preservation of physiologic lumbar lordosis is an important consideration when performing fusion of the lumbar spine. The appropriate degree of lumbar lordosis has not been defined. Total and segmental lumbar lordosis from L1 to S1 was assessed by an independent observer using the Cobb angle measurements of the lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine obtained with the patient in the sitting and standing positions. Lumbar lordosis averaged 49 degrees standing and 34 degrees sitting from L1 to S1, 47 degrees standing and 33 degrees sitting from L2 to S1, 31 degrees standing and 22 degrees sitting from L4 to S1, and 18 degrees standing and 15 degrees sitting from L5 to S1. Lumbar lordosis while standing was nearly 50% greater on average than sitting lumbar lordosis. The clinical significance of this data may pertain to: 1) the known correlation of increased intradiscal pressure with sitting, which may be caused by this decrease in lordosis; 2) the benefit of a sitting lumbar support that increases lordosis; and 3) the consideration of an appropriate degree of lordosis in fusion of the lumbar spine.
Article
In vivo intradiscal pressure measurement in different postures in healthy individuals and in those with ongoing back problems. With the most recent technique, 1) to analyze the influence of degeneration on the intradiscal pressure, 2) to calculate the spinal load on the L4-L5 intervertebral discs, and 3) to assess the relation between the spinal load and movement of the intervertebral motion segment. Almost all the data on intradiscal pressure are from the studies by Nachemson. The results from these pioneering studies have formed the basis for current knowledge about the in vivo loading conditions of the human spine. Although performed already during the 1960s and 1970s with the technique available at that time, virtually no other similar studies have been performed to corroborate the findings. The intradiscal pressure (vertical and horizontal) was measured using an advanced pressure sensor in 8 healthy volunteers and 28 patients with ongoing low back pain, sciatica, or both at L4-L5. Among other calculations, the actual loading conditions in various body positions were calculated in relation to the angle between the two vertebrae of the studied motion segments. The effect of respiration on intradiscal pressure was shown as a continuously periodic fluctuation in the healthy prone individual. The intradiscal pressure was significantly reduced according to the degree of disc degeneration as estimated by magnetic resonance imaging. There possibly was a difference between the vertical and horizontal pressures in the degenerated and nondegenerated discs because the nucleus pulposus was pressure-tropic property. The spinal load increased in the following order of body positions: prone, 144 N; lateral, 240 N; upright standing, 800 N; and upright sitting, 996N (P < 0.0001). In the standing and sitting body positions, the spinal load increased not only with forward bending, but also with backward bending. The spinal load was highly dependent on the angulation in the motion segment. The movements of the spine from a flexed to an extended position made the load of the spine change in a curvilinear fashion, fitting a squared equation in the standing body position. There was a correlation between the spinal load and the angle of the motion segment in the standing but not in the sitting body position. The spinal load was highly dependent on the angle of the motion segment in normal discs in vivo. The intradiscal pressure in degenerated discs was significantly reduced compared with that of normal discs. However, further studies on the effect of respiratory movement on intradiscal pressure, the difference between vertical and the horizontal pressures, and the difference in the spinal load between standing and the sitting body positions are necessary. The data obtained from the current study are fundamental to understanding the pathomechanisms and biomechanical problems of disc disease.
Article
A normative, single-group study was conducted. To determine whether there is a difference in electromyographic activation of specific lumbopelvic muscles with the adoption of common postures in a pain-free population. Clinical observations indicate that adopting passive postures such as sway standing and slump sitting can exacerbate pain in individuals with low back pain. These individuals often present with poor activation of the lumbopelvic stabilizing musculature. At this writing, little empirical evidence exists to document that function of the trunk and lumbopelvic musculature are related to the adoption of standardized standing and sitting postures. This study included 20 healthy adults, with equal representation of the genders. Surface electromyography was used to measure activity in the superficial lumbar multifidus, internal oblique, rectus abdominis, external oblique, and thoracic erector spinae muscles for four standardized standing and sitting postures. The internal oblique, superficial lumbar multifidus, and thoracic erector spinae muscles showed a significant decrease in activity during sway standing (P = 0.027, P = 0.002, and P = 0.003, respectively) and slump sitting (P = 0.007, P = 0.012, and P = 0.003, respectively), as compared with erect postures. Rectus abdominis activity increased significantly in sway standing, as compared with erect standing (P = 0.005). The findings show that the lumbopelvic stabilizing musculature is active in maintaining optimally aligned, erect postures, and that these muscles are less active during the adoption of passive postures. The results of this study lend credence to the practice of postural retraining when facilitation of the lumbopelvic stabilizing musculature is indicated in the management of specific spinal pain conditions.
Article
The most common cause of low-back pain related to seating is posterior protrusion or extrusion of lower lumbar intervertebral discs. The normal curve of the lumbar spine in adult man is determined by maintenance of the trunk-thigh and the knee angles at approximately 135 degrees. Alteration of this normal lumbar curve, either an increase in standing erect or a decrease in sitting or stooping, is caused largely by the limited length and consequent pull of the trunk-thigh muscles of the opposite side. The most important postural factor in the causation of low-back pain in sitting is decrease of the trunk-thigh angle and consequent flattening of the lumbar curve. The next most important cause of low-back pain in sitting is lack of primary back support over the vulnerable lower lumbar intervertebral discs. Added factors of comfort in seating are the shortness of the seat, a rounded narrow front border, an open space beneath for better positioning of the legs, and permissive change of position in the seat. The design of all seats, regardless of model or size, should be based on this knowledge.
Article
Modern furniture in schools, factories and offices is constructed in such a way that no one can use it properly. Each day people sit for many hours hunched over their tables in postures extremely harmful to the back. No one should be surprised that more than half of the population today is complaining of backache. In no other field of human activity is a similar gap between theory and reality found. A closer study of 'normal' sitting postures will explain why nobody is able to sit in the 'ideal' position. First of all, the eye in this position is at a distance of 50-60 cm from the book or working material and the axis of vision is horizontal. In addition, this posture requires at least 90 degrees flexion of the hip joint, yet the normal human being can only bend 60 degrees . A considerably better sitting posture can be obtained if the table is tilted about 10 degrees . In this way the book is brought closer and at a better angle to the eye. The worst bending of the neck is thus avoided. Furthermore, the seat can, with advantage, be tilted 20 degrees forward to reduce the flexion of the lumbar region. By both these means the extra 30 degrees flexion, which is the most strenuous part of flexion, is avoided.
Article
A prospective radiographic study of 160 volunteers without symptoms of spinal disease was conducted. The objective of this study was to describe, quantify, and classify common variations in the sagittal alignment of the spine, sacrum, and pelvis. Previous publications have documented the high degree of variability in the sagittal alignment of the spine. Other studies have suggested that specific changes in alignment and the characteristics of the lumbar lordosis are responsible for degenerative changes and symptomatic back pain. In the course of this study, anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of 160 volunteers in a standardized standing position were taken. A custom computer application was used to analyze the alignment of the spine and pelvis on the lateral radiographs. A four-part classification scheme of sagittal morphology was used to classify each patient. Reciprocal relationships between the orientation of the sacrum, the sacral slope, the pelvic incidence, and the characteristics of the lumbar lordosis were evident. The global lordotic curvature, lordosis tilt angle, position of the apex, and number or lordotic vertebrae were determined by the angle of the superior endplate of S1 with respect to the horizontal axis. Understanding the patterns of variation in sagittal alignment may help to discover the association between spinal balance and the development of degenerative changes in the spine.
Article
A comparative study. To investigate sitting postures of asymptomatic individuals and nonspecific chronic low back pain (NS-CLBP) patients (pooled and subclassified) and evaluate the importance of subclassification. Currently, little evidence exists to support the hypothesis that CLBP patients sit differently from pain-free controls. Although classifying NS-CLBP patients into homogeneous subgroups has been previously emphasized, no attempts have been made to consider such groupings when examining seated posture. Three angles (sacral tilt, lower lumbar, and upper lumbar) were measured during "usual" and "slumped" sitting in 33 NS-CLBP patients and 34 asymptomatic subjects using an electromagnetic measurement device. Before testing, NS-CLBP patients were subclassified by two blinded clinicians. Twenty patients were classified with a flexion motor control impairment and 13 with an active extension motor control impairment. No differences were found between control and NS-CLBP (pooled) patients during usual sitting. In contrast, analyses based on subclassification revealed that patients classified with an active extension pattern sat more lordotic at the symptomatic lower lumbar spine, whereas patients with a flexion pattern sat more kyphotic, when compared with healthy controls (F = 19.7; df1 = 2, df2 = 63, P < 0.001). Further, NS-CLBP patients had less ability to change their posture when asked to slump from usual sitting (t = 4.2, df = 65; P < 0.001). Differences in usual sitting posture were only revealed when NS-CLBP patients were subclassified. This highlights the importance of subclassifying NS-CLBP patients.
Article
A normative within-subjects single-group study. To compare spinal-pelvic curvature and trunk muscle activation in 2 upright sitting postures ("thoracic" and "lumbo-pelvic") and slump sitting in a pain-free population. Clinical observations suggest that both upright and slump sitting postures can exacerbate low back pain. Little research has investigated the effects of different upright sitting postures on trunk muscle activation. Spinal-pelvic curvature and surface electromyography of 6 trunk muscles were measured bilaterally in 2 upright (thoracic and lumbo-pelvic) sitting postures and slump sitting in 22 subjects. Thoracic, compared to lumbo-pelvic, upright sitting showed significantly greater thoracic extension (P < 0.001), with significantly less lumbar extension (P < 0.001) and anterior pelvic tilt (P = 0.03). Furthermore, there was significantly less superficial lumbar multifidus (P < 0.001) and internal oblique (P = 0.03) activity, with significantly higher thoracic erector spinae (P < 0.001) and external oblique (P = 0.04) activity in thoracic upright sitting. There was no significant difference in superficial lumbar multifidus activity between thoracic upright and slump sitting. Different upright sitting postures resulted in altered trunk muscle activation. Thoracic when compared to lumbo-pelvic upright sitting involved less coactivation of the local spinal muscles, with greater coactivation of the global muscles. These results highlight the importance of postural training specificity when the aim is to activate the lumbo-pelvic stabilizing muscles in subjects with back pain.
Article
Studies of lumbar intradiscal pressure (IDP) in standing and upright sitting have mostly reported higher pressures in sitting. It was assumed clinically that flexion of the lumbar spine in sitting relative to standing, caused higher IDP, disc degeneration or rupture, and low back pain. IDP indicates axial compressive load upon a non-degenerate disc, but provides little or no indication of shear, axial rotation or bending. This review is presented in two main parts. First, in vivo IDP data in standing and upright sitting for non-degenerate discs are comprehensively reviewed. As methodology, results and interpretations varied between IDP studies, in vivo studies measuring spinal shrinkage and spinal internal-fixator loads to infer axial compressive load to the discs are also reviewed. When data are considered together, it is clear that IDP is often similar in standing and sitting. Secondly, clinical assumptions related to IDP in sitting are considered in light of basic and epidemiologic studies. Current studies indicate that IDP in sitting is unlikely to pose a threat to non-degenerate discs, and sitting is no worse than standing for disc degeneration or low back pain incidence. If sitting is a greater threat for development of low back pain than standing, the mechanism is unlikely to be raised IDP.
Article
This study was designed to determine whether trunk extensor fatigue occurs during low-level activity and whether this is associated with a drop in muscle tissue oxygenation. Electromyography (EMG) feedback was used to impose constant activity in a part of the trunk extensor muscles. We hypothesized that electromyographic manifestations of fatigue and decreased oxygenation would be observed at the feedback site and that EMG activity at other sites would be more variable without fatigue manifestations. Twelve volunteers performed 30-min contractions at 2% and 5% of the maximum EMG amplitude (EMGmax) at the feedback site. EMG was recorded from six sites over the lumbar extensor muscles and near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure changes in oxygenation at the feedback site (left L3 level, 3 cm paravertebral). In both conditions, mean EMG activity was not significantly different between electrode sites, whereas the coefficient of variation was lower at the feedback site compared to other recording sites. The EMG mean power frequency (MPF) decreased consistently at the feedback site only. At 5% EMGmax, the decrease in MPF was significant at the group level at all sites ipsilateral to the feedback site. These results suggest that the limited variability of muscle activity at the EMG feedback site and at ipsilateral locations enhances fatigue development. No decreases in tissue oxygenation were detected. In conclusion, even at mean activity levels as low as 2% EMGmax, fatigue manifestations were found in the trunk extensors. These occurred in absence of changes in oxygenation of the muscle tissue.
Relative change (%) in lumbar lordosis and sacral slope by condition (the y-axis represents the % decrease) LBP: low back pain
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Fig. 3. Relative change (%) in lumbar lordosis and sacral slope by condition (the y-axis represents the % decrease). LBP: low back pain.
  • M Vaucher
M. Vaucher et al. / Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine xxx (2015) xxx-xxx