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Increased spinal height using propped slouched sitting postures: Innovative ways to rehydrate intervertebral discs
John L Pape1, Jean-Michel Brismée2, Phillip S Sizer2
1Department of Physiotherapy, University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton on Tees, United Kingdom; Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, United States.
Applied Ergonomics
|September 30, 2017
Summary
Propped slouched sitting (PSS) postures, with or without lumbar support, effectively increased spinal height after trunk loading. These findings suggest PSS can be a beneficial alternative for spinal recovery in the workplace.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Ergonomics
- Spinal Biomechanics
Background:
- Slouched and upright sitting postures are linked to increased intradiscal pressure, spinal height loss, and intervertebral disc issues.
- Understanding the impact of different sitting postures on spinal health is crucial for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of two sustained propped slouched sitting (PSS) postures on spinal height.
- To determine if lumbar support influences spinal height recovery in PSS after trunk loading.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-four healthy participants without low back pain (LBP) were studied.
- Spinal height was measured using a stadiometer after participants adopted PSS for 10 minutes, both with and without lumbar support, following a period of trunk loading.
Main Results:
- Both PSS postures significantly increased spinal height.
- A mean spinal height increase of 2.94 mm was observed without lumbar support and 4.74 mm with lumbar support.
Conclusions:
- Sustained propped slouched sitting, with or without lumbar support, effectively increases spinal height after trunk loading.
- These PSS postures may serve as a valuable alternative to upright sitting for spinal height recovery in occupational settings.
