Abstract:
Background:
Pain in the back are a significant health problem nowadays, justified by increasing prevalence and incidence rates. To remain seated in particular is being seen as a risk factor for backache and therefore a slumped sitting position is regarded to stress the spine. Within this study it ought to be examined whether throughout an electronic posture trainer with a feedback mechanism erectness could be trained or conditioned. Whether straightening the sitting position does have any effects to the spinal health, was examined on the basis of mobility, strength, posture of the spine and the self reported well being.
Methods:
The used “position trainer” reminds optically of a pulse digital meter. A passive sensor documents the current deflection of the spinal column and by reaching a marginal threshold the user gets a stimulating vibrational feedback.
The performance of this study was made in Cross Over Design. 56 subjects with sedentary work were devided into two groups. At first, all probants had to sit a medical examination. After this, group A was equipped with the “position trainer” for six weeks, consequently group B acted as control group. After a six weeks training period, an in between examination was done, afterwards the subjects of group B were provided with the “position trainer”. Past another six weeks training of group B, all probants had to sit a final medical examination.
In all three examinations, posture was determined with the method of rasterstereography in upright position (stand). The mobility of the spine was measured with the “fingertip-to-floor” test, the strength of the back-extension muscles with a “DAVID 110” system. The subjective well being was recorded by standardised questionnaires (“CAFE-40”).
Results:
Mobility, strength and well being of all subjects showed significant changes compared to the pre-training period without the “position trainer”. The strength of the back-extension muscles increased up to 13,3Nm (p=0,016), the overall mobility of the spine increased to 1,7cm (p<0,001). The subjective well being raised 0,14 points (p=0,006). The rasterstereographical photographs showed no significant differences.
Conclusion:
By the increase of the above mentioned parameters it can be assumed, that the sitting posture of the subjects changed to that effect, that they betook themselves to a more upright sitting posture. Therefore the electronically assisted position training at working places is an effective contribution to the backbones health.