title: A comparison of trunk biomechanics, musculoskeletal discomfort and productivity during simulated sit-stand office work.
abstract: Sedentary office work has been shown to cause low back discomfort and potentially cause injury. Prolonged standing work has been shown to cause discomfort. The implementation of a sit-stand paradigm is hypothesised to mitigate discomfort and prevent injury induced by prolonged exposure to each posture in isolation. This study explored the potential of sit-stand to reduce discomfort and prevent injury, without adversely affecting productivity. Twenty-four participants performed simulated office work in three different conditions: sitting, standing and sit-stand. Variables measured included: perceived discomfort, L4-L5 joint loading and typing/mousing productivity. Working in a sit-stand paradigm was found to have the potential to reduce discomfort when compared to working in a sitting or standing only configuration. Sit-stand was found to be associated with reduced lumbar flexion during sitting compared to sitting only. Increasing lumbar flexion during prolonged sitting is a known injury mechanism. Therefore, sit-stand exhibited a potentially beneficial response of reduced lumbar flexion that could have the potential to prevent injury. Sit-stand had no significant effect on productivity. Practitioner Summary: This study has contributed foundational elements to guide usage recommendations for sit-stand workstations. The sit-stand paradigm can reduce discomfort; however, working in a sit-stand ratio of 15:5 min may not be the most effective ratio. More frequent posture switches may be necessary to realise the full benefit of sit-stand.
authors.affiliation: a Human Systems Integration Section , Defence R&D Canada , Toronto , Canada.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Karakolis
authors.affiliation: b Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Kinesiology , University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada.
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Barrett
authors.affiliation: b Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Kinesiology , University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada.
authors.forename: Jack P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Callaghan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D012737:Sex Factors; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D060726:Torso / Q000503:physiopathology; D017132:Workplace; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Posture; injury; low back; pain; performance; sedentary