Relationships Between Working From Home, Sitting Postures, and Low Back Pain During COVID-19: A Survey of Frequent Computer Users.

J Occup Environ Med

From the School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia, and the Centre for Active Living and Learning, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia (S.J.S.); School of Health Sciences; The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia (C.J.W.K.); Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia (S.E.); School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom (N.R.H.); Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas (E.J.P.); and Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia (C.J.).

Published: December 2024

Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of working from home on musculoskeletal pain.

Methods: An e-survey of computer workers was conducted. Multinomial logistic regression modeling examined relationships between work location (work or home office desk, dining table, other), sitting posture (diagrams with descriptors), depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression Scale), sleep quality (good/average vs poor) and pain (low back pain [LBP]), and other pain without LBP (asymptomatic).

Results: Of 634 respondents, most (91%, n = 578) worked partially at home and had pain (91%, n = 576; 342 LBP, 234 other pain, 58 asymptomatic). Sitting posture ("trunk a little bent forward" vs "straight up, back against back rest": odds ratio = 2.9; 95% confidence interval = 1.3-6.5, P = 0.008), being female (2.2; 1.2-4.1, P = 0.008), and depressive symptoms (3.4; 1.7-6.6; P < 0.001) were associated with LBP. Poor sleep quality related to LBP but correlated with depressive symptoms. Working from home and location were not associated with pain.

Conclusions: Sitting postures, but not working from home, are associated with LBP.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003254DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

depressive symptoms
12
sitting postures
8
low pain
8
sitting posture
8
sleep quality
8
associated lbp
8
pain
6
lbp
5
relationships working
4
sitting
4

Similar Publications

Introduction/objective: Emotional, mental, or psychological distress, defined as increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and/or stress, is common in patients with chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD).

Methods: Literature was reviewed regarding data from studies and meta-analyses examining the impact of emotional stress on the occurrence and outcome of several CVDs (coronary disease, heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmias, stroke). These influences' pathophysiology and clinical spectrum are detailed, tabulated, and pictorially illustrated.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Spirituality is widely recognized as a potential moderator of the adverse effects of hemodialysis on mental health. Understanding its impact on mental health in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, however, remains a significant research gap. Hence, this study aims to explore the correlations between spirituality, anxiety, and depression among Saudi Arabian patients undergoing hemodialysis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Residual dizziness (RD) is common in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) after successful canalith repositioning procedures. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) on BPPV patients experiencing RD, and to explore the impact of VR on functional connectivity (FC), specifically focusing on the bilateral parietal operculum (OP) cortex.

Methods: Seventy patients with RD were randomly assigned to either a four-week VR group or a control group that received no treatment.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Drugs generally used in major depressive disorder are considered inappropriate for the more common milder forms. The efficacy of saffron extracts has been demonstrated in mild to moderate depression and in preclinical models of depression. However, evidence of saffron activity on reduced hedonic responsiveness and motivational anhedonia is limited.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!