The relationship between objectively measured sitting time, posture, and low back pain in sedentary employees during COVID-19

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between objectively measured sitting time, posture, and low back pain (LBP) in adults with full-time (≥ 40 h/week) sedentary “desk” jobs. Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) between work environments (home vs. office) were also compared during COVID-19. METHODS: Participants (N = 53; M(age) = 41 ± 12years) were full-time employees in sedentary jobs during COVID-19. A survey with demographic, work environment, and LBP questions was completed; Thomas Test assessed poor hip posture. ActivPAL devices were worn for ≥ 4 valid days (≥ 10 h/d) to assess waking sitting time (min/d). Binomial logistic regressions examined sitting as a predictor of poor posture and LBP; ANOVAs compared PA and SB between work environments. RESULTS: Objectively measured sitting (min/day) predicted poor hip posture (β = − 0.01, p < 0.046) but was not significant for LBP (β = 0.002, p < 0.43). Participants who worked from home had significantly higher sitting time (569 ± 111 vs. 477 ± 46 min/d; p < 0.04), higher muscle strengthening PA (2.2 ± 2 vs. 0.5 ± 1.2d/week p < 0.02), but no difference in aerobic PA (p < 0.15), than those who worked from an office. CONCLUSION: Given the shift to remote work during COVID-19, employees are at high risk for postural compensations that lead to LBP due to high SB and poor work ergonomics at home. There is a need to develop home-based behavioral and exercise interventions to reduce sitting, help improve posture, and invest in proper ergonomic homework equipment.