Associations Between Type-Specific Sedentary Behaviour and Low Back Pain: Evidence From a Large-Scale Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Sedentary behavior is a growing public health concern.
• Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide.
• Understanding the specific types of sedentary behavior linked to LBP is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between different types of sedentary behavior and the risk of low back pain (LBP).
• To examine the relationship between specific sedentary behaviors and LBP intensity.
• To identify which sedentary behaviors pose the greatest risk for LBP development and severity.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale cohort survey of 2742 Korean participants was conducted.
• Sedentary behaviors including TV viewing (TV-ST), squatting (Squat-ST), and floor sitting (Floor-ST) were categorized into time-based groups.
• Low back pain (LBP) was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS), with logistic and linear regression analyses performed.

Main Results:

• Increased TV viewing (TV-ST) and squatting (Squat-ST) durations were significantly associated with a higher risk of LBP.
• Participants spending ≥4 hours on TV-ST had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.44 for LBP, while ≥4 hours of Squat-ST showed a substantially higher OR of 4.14.
• Distinct associations were found between specific sedentary behaviors and LBP severity, as indicated by VAS and ODI scores.

Conclusions:

• Specific types of sedentary behavior play a critical role in the development and exacerbation of low back pain.
• Findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions for the prevention and management of LBP.
• Reducing prolonged TV viewing and squatting may be key strategies in mitigating LBP risk.