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International Journal of Environmental... Sep 2020The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of hippotherapy (therapy with horses) on posture and body function among children with cerebral palsy. A... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of hippotherapy (therapy with horses) on posture and body function among children with cerebral palsy. A case-control study included forty-five children aged 6-12 years, classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I or II, with spastic diplegia or hemiplegia. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: study I (n = 15), study II (n = 15) and control (n = 15). The children from the study groups attended 30min hippotherapy sessions for 12 consecutive weeks, twice (study group I) or once (study group II) a week. The Sitting Assessment Scale (SAS) was used. A comparison of SAS showed an improvement in almost all the assessed categories among the children who participated in hippotherapy. In study group I, statistically significant differences were noted in the assessment of head position control, arm function (in both cases, = 0.012) and trunk control ( = 0.005) and in study group II in the assessment of trunk control ( = 0.028). Hippotherapy has a positive influence on the body posture and function of individual body parts in a sitting position among children with cerebral palsy.
Topics: Animals; Case-Control Studies; Cerebral Palsy; Child; Equine-Assisted Therapy; Female; Horses; Humans; Male; Posture; Sitting Position
PubMed: 32961681
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186846 -
Medycyna Pracy Jul 2019Work performed in a sitting position, despite the fact that it does not require a lot of physical effort, can be the cause of many musculoskeletal disorders (MSD),... (Review)
Review
Work performed in a sitting position, despite the fact that it does not require a lot of physical effort, can be the cause of many musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), especially when performed for a long time and in the wrong position. Musculoskeletal disorders are currently a common problem in the working population. The article presents an analysis of selected literature on the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders among computer operators. Particular attention was paid to the classification and reasons for the emergence of MSD. The latest reports on the occurrence of the disorders and the costs they generate, due to the inability to work and sick leaves, were also discussed. Med Pr. 2019;70(4):511-21.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Computers; Ergonomics; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Occupational Diseases; Posture; Sitting Position; Young Adult
PubMed: 31293280
DOI: 10.13075/mp.5893.00810 -
Applied Ergonomics Nov 2019The relationships between sedentary lifestyle, sitting behaviour, and low back pain (LBP) remain controversial. In this study, we investigated the relationship between...
The relationships between sedentary lifestyle, sitting behaviour, and low back pain (LBP) remain controversial. In this study, we investigated the relationship between back pain and occupational sitting habits in 64 call-centre employees. A textile pressure mat was used to evaluate and parameterise sitting behaviour over a total of 400 h, while pain questionnaires evaluated acute and chronic LBP. Seventy-five percent of the participants reported some level of either chronic or acute back pain. Individuals with chronic LBP demonstrated a possible trend (t-test not significant) towards more static sitting behaviour compared to their pain-free counterparts. Furthermore, a greater association was found between sitting behaviour and chronic LBP than for acute pain/disability, which is plausibly due to a greater awareness of pain-free sitting positions in individuals with chronic pain compared to those affected by acute pain.
Topics: Adult; Chronic Pain; Female; Humans; Low Back Pain; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases; Sedentary Behavior; Sitting Position; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 31422243
DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.102894 -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2018Office workers are exposed to high levels of sedentary time. In addition to cardio-vascular and metabolic health risks, this sedentary time may have musculoskeletal...
Office workers are exposed to high levels of sedentary time. In addition to cardio-vascular and metabolic health risks, this sedentary time may have musculoskeletal and/or cognitive impacts on office workers. Participants (n = 20) undertook two hours of laboratory-based sitting computer work to investigate changes in discomfort and cognitive function (sustained attention and problem solving), along with muscle fatigue, movement and mental state. Over time, discomfort increased in all body areas (total body IRR [95% confidence interval]: 1.43 [1.33⁻1.53]) reaching clinically meaningful levels in the low back and hip/thigh/buttock areas. Creative problem solving errors increased (β = 0.25 [0.03⁻1.47]) while sustained attention did not change. There was no change in erector spinae, trapezius, rectus femoris, biceps femoris and external oblique median frequency or amplitude; low back angle changed towards less lordosis, pelvis movement increased, and mental state deteriorated. There were no substantial correlations between discomfort and cognitive function. The observed changes suggest prolonged sitting may have consequences for musculoskeletal discomfort and cognitive function and breaks to interrupt prolonged sitting are recommended.
Topics: Adult; Australia; Cognition; Computers; Ergonomics; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postural Balance; Sitting Position; Work; Workplace; Young Adult
PubMed: 30087262
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081678 -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2021This study aimed to assess the association between smartphone use in the sitting posture and changes in thoracolumbar kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and pelvic asymmetry in...
This study aimed to assess the association between smartphone use in the sitting posture and changes in thoracolumbar kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and pelvic asymmetry in adolescents with low back pain (LBP). Twenty-five adolescents with LBP and 25 healthy adolescents participated in this study. They were instructed to sit on a height-adjustable chair with their hips and knees bent at 90° for 30 min in their usual sitting postures. Thoracolumbar kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and pelvic asymmetry were measured using a three-dimensional motion capture system. Thoracolumbar kyphosis and lumbar lordosis increased after 30 min of sitting compared to the baseline. In both groups, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angle increased with increasing sitting time. Compared to healthy adolescents, adolescents with LBP presented greater thoracolumbar kyphosis and lumbar lordosis after prolonged sitting. Pelvic asymmetry showed no significant difference between the sitting time and groups. Using a smartphone during prolonged sitting may lead to a slumped posture; these associations were more pronounced in adolescents with LBP.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Low Back Pain; Lumbar Vertebrae; Posture; Sitting Position; Smartphone; Spine
PubMed: 34444119
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168369 -
The International Journal of Behavioral... Sep 2020There is increasing concern about the time people spend in sedentary behaviour, including screen time, leisure and occupational sitting. The number of both primary... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There is increasing concern about the time people spend in sedentary behaviour, including screen time, leisure and occupational sitting. The number of both primary research studies (published trials) and reviews has been growing rapidly in this research area. A summary of the highest level of evidence that provides a broader quantitative synthesis of diverse types of interventions is needed. This research is to articulate the evidence of efficacy of sedentary behaviour interventions to inform interventions to reduce sitting time. The umbrella review, therefore, synthesised systematic reviews that conducted meta-analyses of interventions aiming at reducing sedentary behaviour outcomes across all age group and settings.
METHOD
A systematic search was conducted on six databases (MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Global Health via EBSCOhost platform, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Systematic Reviews). Included articles were systematic reviews with meta-analysis of interventions aiming at reducing sedentary behaviour (screen time, sitting time or sedentary time) in the general population across all age group.
RESULTS
Seventeen reviews met the inclusion criteria (7 in children and adolescent, 10 in adults). All reviews of sedentary behaviour interventions in children and adolescents investigated intervention effectiveness in reducing screen time. Six out of 11 meta-analyses (reported in 7 reviews) showed small but significant changes in viewing time. All reviews of sedentary behaviour interventions in office workplaces indicated substantial reduction in occupational sitting time (range: 39.6 to 100 min per 8-h workday). Sub-group analyses reported a trend favouring environmental change components such as sit-stand desks, active permissive workstations etc. Meta-analyses indicated that sedentary behaviour interventions were superior to physical activity alone interventions or combined physical activity and sedentary behaviour interventions in reducing sitting time.
CONCLUSION
The current systematic reviews and meta-analyses supported sedentary behaviour interventions for reducing occupational sitting time in particular, with small changes seen in screen time in children and adolescents. Future research should explore approaches to maintaining behaviour change beyond the intervention period and investigate the potential of sedentary behaviour reduction interventions in older age groups in non-occupational settings.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Health Promotion; Humans; Leisure Activities; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Risk Reduction Behavior; Screen Time; Sedentary Behavior; Sitting Position; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Time Factors; Workplace
PubMed: 32958052
DOI: 10.1186/s12966-020-01009-3 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2021Trunk impairment produces disorders of motor control, balance and gait. Core stability exercises (CSE) are a good strategy to improve local strength of trunk, balance...
The Effectiveness of Additional Core Stability Exercises in Improving Dynamic Sitting Balance, Gait and Functional Rehabilitation for Subacute Stroke Patients (CORE-Trial): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Trunk impairment produces disorders of motor control, balance and gait. Core stability exercises (CSE) are a good strategy to improve local strength of trunk, balance and gait. Methods and analysis: This is a single-blind multicenter randomized controlled trial. Two parallel groups are compared, and both perform the same type of therapy. A control group (CG) ( = 110) performs conventional physiotherapy (CP) (1 h per session) focused on improving balance. An experimental group (EG) ( = 110) performs CSE (30 min) in addition to CP (30 min) (1 h/session in total). EG is divided in two subgroups, in which only half of patients ( = 55) perform CSE plus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Primary outcome measures are dynamic sitting, assessed by a Spanish version of Trunk Impairment Scale and stepping, assessed by Brunel Balance Assessment. Secondary outcomes are postural control, assessed by Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke patients; standing balance and risk of fall assessed by Berg Balance Scale; gait speed by BTS G-Walk (accelerometer); rate of falls, lower-limb spasticity by Modified Ashworth Scale; activities of daily living by Barthel Index; and quality of life by EQ-5D-5L. These are evaluated at baseline (T0), at three weeks (T1), at five weeks (end of the intervention) (T2), at 17 weeks (T3) and at 29 weeks (T4). Study duration per patient is 29 weeks (a five-week intervention, followed by a 24-week post-intervention).
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Exercise Therapy; Gait; Humans; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Postural Balance; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Single-Blind Method; Sitting Position; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34205457
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126615 -
Stroke Jul 2022The initiation of exercise during rehabilitation at the subacute stage could provide stroke survivors with an approach to recovery that capitalizes on unique... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The initiation of exercise during rehabilitation at the subacute stage could provide stroke survivors with an approach to recovery that capitalizes on unique physiological conditions and promotes spontaneous recovery. We aimed to examine the effects of a tailored sitting Tai Chi program on recovery outcomes among subacute stroke survivors.
METHODS
We conducted a 12-week assessor-blind randomized controlled trial in China. Subacute stroke survivor-caregiver dyads were recruited and randomly assigned to either the sitting Tai Chi group (n=80) or attention control group (n=80). Outcomes including upper limb function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity & Wolf Motor Function Test), balance control (Berg Balance Scale), sitting balance control (Trunk Impairment Scale), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form), shoulder range of motion, shoulder pain (ShoulderQ), activities of daily living (Modified Barthel Index), and quality of life (Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale) were measured at baseline, in-process, immediately post, and 4-week postintervention.
RESULTS
Immediately postintervention, the sitting Tai Chi group (n=69) showed significant upper limb function improvement in the primary outcomes including the performance time (regression coefficient of the group-by-time interaction, B=-21.415 [95% CI, -31.000 to -11.831]) and functional ability (B=10.146 [95% CI, 4.886-15.406]) domains of the Wolf Motor Function Test, balance control (B, 4.972 [95% CI, 1.356-8.588]), and sitting balance control (B=4.397 [95% CI, 2.699-6.096]). Compared with the control group (n=65), improvements were also observed in secondary outcomes including depressive symptoms (B=-1.626 [95% CI, -2.304 to -0.948]), shoulder extension (B=4.518 [95% CI, 0.893-8.144]), activities of daily living (B=5.510 [95% CI, 0.450-10.569]), and quality of life (B=15.680 [95% CI, 7.255-24.105]).
CONCLUSIONS
The results support the effectiveness of a tailored sitting Tai Chi program in improving recovery outcomes among subacute stroke survivors and provide additional knowledge to support the clinical implementation of such a program.
REGISTRATION
URL: https://www.
CLINICALTRIALS
gov; Unique identifier: NCT04138407.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Humans; Quality of Life; Sitting Position; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Survivors; Tai Ji; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35387494
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.121.036578 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Aug 2022To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention, with and without a height adjustable desk, on daily sitting time, and to investigate the relative effectiveness of the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention, with and without a height adjustable desk, on daily sitting time, and to investigate the relative effectiveness of the two interventions, and the effectiveness of both interventions on physical behaviours and physical, biochemical, psychological, and work related health and performance outcomes.
DESIGN
Cluster three arm randomised controlled trial with follow-up at three and 12 months.
SETTING
Local government councils in Leicester, Liverpool, and Greater Manchester, UK.
PARTICIPANTS
78 clusters including 756 desk based employees in defined offices, departments, or teams from two councils in Leicester, three in Greater Manchester, and one in Liverpool.
INTERVENTIONS
Clusters were randomised to one of three conditions: the SMART Work and Life (SWAL) intervention, the SWAL intervention with a height adjustable desk (SWAL plus desk), or control (usual practice).
MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES
The primary outcome measure was daily sitting time, assessed by accelerometry, at 12 month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were accelerometer assessed sitting, prolonged sitting, standing and stepping time, and physical activity calculated over any valid day, work hours, workdays, and non-workdays, self-reported lifestyle behaviours, musculoskeletal problems, cardiometabolic health markers, work related health and performance, fatigue, and psychological measures.
RESULTS
Mean age of participants was 44.7 years, 72.4% (n=547) were women, and 74.9% (n=566) were white. Daily sitting time at 12 months was significantly lower in the intervention groups (SWAL -22.2 min/day, 95% confidence interval -38.8 to -5.7 min/day, P=0.003; SWAL plus desk -63.7 min/day, -80.1 to -47.4 min/day, P<0.001) compared with the control group. The SWAL plus desk intervention was found to be more effective than SWAL at changing sitting time (-41.7 min/day, -56.3 to -27.0 min/day, P<0.001). Favourable differences in sitting and prolonged sitting time at three and 12 month follow-ups for both intervention groups and for standing time for the SWAL plus desk group were observed during work hours and on workdays. Both intervention groups were associated with small improvements in stress, wellbeing, and vigour, and the SWAL plus desk group was associated with improvements in pain in the lower extremity, social norms for sitting and standing at work, and support.
CONCLUSIONS
Both SWAL and SWAL plus desk were associated with a reduction in sitting time, although the addition of a height adjustable desk was found to be threefold more effective.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN11618007.
Topics: Accelerometry; Adult; Exercise; Female; Humans; Male; Occupational Health; Posture; Sitting Position; Workplace
PubMed: 35977732
DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-069288 -
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine May 2018Impaired balance function after a spinal cord injury (SCI) hinders performance of daily activities.
CONTEXT
Impaired balance function after a spinal cord injury (SCI) hinders performance of daily activities.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the evidence on the effectiveness of task-specific training on sitting and standing function in individuals with SCI across the continuum of care.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted on literature published to June 2016 using people (acute or chronic SCI), task-specific interventions compared to conventional physical therapy, and outcome (sitting or standing balance function). The PEDro scale was used to investigate the susceptibility to bias and trial quality of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A standardized mean difference (SMD) was conducted to investigate the effect size for interventions with sitting or standing balance outcomes.
RESULTS
Nineteen articles were identified; three RCTs, two prospective controlled trials, one cross-over study, nine pre-post studies and four prospective cohort studies. RCT and cross-over studies were rated from 6 to 8 indicating good quality on the PEDro scale. The SMD of task-specific interventions in sitting compared to active and inactive (no training) control groups was -0.09 (95% CI: -0.663 to 0.488) and 0.39 (95% CI: -0.165 to 0.937) respectively, indicating that the addition of task-specific exercises did not affect sit and reach test performance significantly. Similarly, the addition of BWS training did not significantly affect BBS compared to conventional physical therapy -0.36 (95% CI: -0.840 to 0.113). Task-specific interventions reported in uncontrolled trials revealed positive effects on sitting and standing balance function.
CONCLUSION
Few RCT studies provided balance outcomes, and those that were evaluated indicate negligible effect sizes. Given the importance of balance control underpinning all aspects of daily activities, there is a need for further research to evaluate specific features of training interventions to improve both sitting and standing balance function in SCI.
Topics: Adult; Clinical Trials as Topic; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neurological Rehabilitation; Postural Balance; Sitting Position; Spinal Cord Injuries; Standing Position
PubMed: 28738740
DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1350340