Feasibility and impact of sit-stand workstations with and without exercise in office workers at risk of low back pain: A pilot comparative effectiveness trial.

Venerina Johnston; Elise M Gane; Wendy Brown; Bill Vicenzino; Genevieve N Healy; Nicholas Gilson; Michelle D Smith
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility and impact of sit-stand workstations plus advice, with or without exercise, on back pain and sitting time in office workers at risk of low back pain (LBP). Eligible participants (n = 29/169; 17% overall) were randomized to receive a sit-stand workstation and advice with (n = 16) or without (n = 13) progressive resistance exercise training for 4-weeks. Feasibility (recruitment, acceptability, adherence) and impact (LBP severity during a standardized standing task, workplace-sitting time) were assessed. Intervention acceptability (87.5% very satisfied) was good and adherence (60% completed all 12 exercise sessions) was satisfactory. Maximum LBP severity (mean difference of -1.3 (-2.0, -0.6) and workplace sitting time (82.7-99.3 min/8-hr workday reduction) were similarly reduced in both groups. The introduction of a sit-stand workstation with advice was feasible and achieved similar outcomes for LBP and workplace sitting time when administered with or without exercise.
Journal APPLIED ERGONOMICS
ISSN 1872-9126
Published 01 Apr 2019
Volume 76
Issue
Pages 82-89
DOI 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.12.006
Type Comparative Study | Journal Article | Randomized Controlled Trial
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