The effect of standing interventions on acute low-back postures and muscle activation patterns

Abstract

Occupations requiring prolonged periods of constrained standing are associated with the development of low back pain (LBP). Many workplaces use improvised standing aids aimed to reduce LBP. Unfortunately, there is little scientific evidence to support the use of such standing interventions in effectively reducing LBP. To assess some commonly implemented standing interventions, thirty-one participants stood in four different standing positions (Level Ground (control), Sloped, Elevated, and Staggered) for 5 min each. The use of an elevated surface changed the lumbar spine posture of participants such that participants stood in a more flexed lumbar spine posture. This change in lumbar spine posture may be an indication that the elevated standing aid intervention can positively impact lumbar spine posture in standing pain developers and potentially reduce LBP.

Keywords: Low back pain; Prolonged standing; Standing aid; Standing intervention.