title: A sloped seat wedge can change the kinematics of the lumbar spine of seated workers with limited hip flexion.
abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine whether a wedge type seat decreases the lumbar flexion angle of seated workers with limited hip flexion. [Subjects] Twelve sedentary workers with limited hip flexion were recruited. [Methods] Three seat surfaces were used: a level surface, a forward-inclining wedge, and a backward-reclining wedge. The angles of lumbar flexion and pelvic tilt were measured using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Differences in kinematic data of the subjects seated on the three seat surfaces were analyzed using repeated one-way analysis of variance. [Results] The degree of lumbar flexion decreased significantly when using the forward-inclining wedge compared with the level surface and backward-reclining wedge. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that sitting on a forward-inclining wedge may be useful for minimizing the compensatory lumbar flexion of individuals with limited hip flexion who work in a seated position.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Nambu University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ji-Won
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Science, The Graduate School, Inje University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Min-Hyeok
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Science, The Graduate School, Inje University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Kyung-Hee
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Noh
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School, Inje University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jun-Seok
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inje University Ubiquitous-healthcare & Anti-aging Research Center, Inje University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jae-Seop
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Oh
keywords: Kinematics; Limited hip flexion; Seat wedge