An Evaluation of an Innovative Exercise to Relieve Chronic Low Back Pain in Sedentary Workers

Saiklang, Pongsatorn, Puntumetakul, Rungthip, Selfe, James ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9931-4998 and Yeowell, Gillian ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3872-9799 (2022) An Evaluation of an Innovative Exercise to Relieve Chronic Low Back Pain in Sedentary Workers. Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 64 (5). pp. 820-834. ISSN 0018-7208

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Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of a novel supported dynamic lumbar extension with the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) technique on stature change, deep abdominal muscle activity, trunk muscle fatigue, and pain intensity during prolonged sitting in chronic low back pain (CLBP) participants. Background: Prolonged sitting can cause trunk muscle fatigue from continuous contraction of deep trunk muscles in seated postures. Deficiency of activity of deep muscles can reduce muscular support of the spine, causing stress on spinal structures, which could result in pain. Method: Thirty participants with CLBP were randomly allocated: (a) control—sitting without exercise, and (b) intervention—supported dynamic lumbar extension with the ADIM technique. Results: Compared to the intervention condition, the control condition demonstrated significantly greater deterioration in stature change, increased levels of deep trunk muscle fatigue, and an increase in pain during prolonged sitting. Conclusion: The supported dynamic lumbar extension with the ADIM technique appears to provide a protective effect on detrimental stature change and deep trunk muscle fatigue. In addition, it prevented an increase in pain intensity during prolonged sitting in people with CLBP. Application: Sedentary behavior harms health, particularly affecting the lower back. Clinicians can use the intervention to induce dynamic lumbar movement, and this exercise can maintain deep trunk muscle activity during prolonged sitting, thereby helping to prevent low back pain (LBP) problems.