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Updated: Feb 22, 2026
A Mouse Model of Lumbar Spine Instability
Published on: April 23, 2021
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.
Background:
Upright and slouched sitting are frequently adopted postures associated with increased intradiscal pressure, spinal height loss and intervertebral disc pathology.
Objectives:
To examine the effects of two sustained propped slouched sitting (PSS) postures on spinal height after a period of trunk loading.
Methods:
Thirty-four participants without a history of low back pain (LBP) were recruited (age 24.4 ± 1.6 years). Subjects sat in (1) PSS without lumbar support and (2) PSS with lumbar support for 10 min, after a period of trunk loading. Spinal height was measured using a stadiometer.
Results:
Mean spinal height increase during PSS without lumbar support was 2.94 ± 3.63 mm and with lumbar support 4.74 ± 3.07 mm.
Conclusions:
Both PSS with and without lumbar support significantly increased spinal height after a period of trunk loading (p < 0.001). Such PSS postures can provide a valuable alternative to upright sitting and may be recommended for recovering spinal height in the working environment following periods of loading.
