Impact of a Sit-Stand Workstation on Chronic Low Back Pain: Results of a Randomized Trial
Grant T Ognibene1, Wilson Torres, Rie von Eyben
1Department of Management Science and Engineering, Huang Engineering Center, Stanford University (Mr Ognibene); Department of Biology (Mr Torres); Department of Radiation Oncology (Mr Ognibene, Mrs von Eyben, Dr Horst), Stanford University School of Medicine, California.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to determine whether chronic low back pain (LBP) might be attenuated through the introduction of a sit-stand workstation (SSW) in office employees.
Methods:
Participants were randomized to receive a SSW at the beginning or at the end of a 3-month study period. Participants responded to a short survey at the end of each workday and a comprehensive survey at weeks 1, 6, and 12. Surveys consisted of a modified brief pain inventory and the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire.
Results:
Forty-six university employees with self-reported chronic LBP were enrolled. Participants who were given access to a SSW reported a significant reduction in current (P = 0.02) and worst (P = 0.04) LBP over time.
Conclusions:
Our findings support the hypothesis that chronic LBP might be improved by the introduction of a SSW in an office environment.
