Affiliations: [a] Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA | [b] Department of Physical Therapy, University of South Dakota, Sanford Coyote Sports Center, Vermillion, SD, USA | [c] Center for Rehabilitation Research, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA | [d] Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA | [e] Department of Industrial Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Marit E. Johnson, Biodynamics Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 3820 S. Water Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15203, USA. E-mail: maritjohnson2@gmail.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lumbar intervertebral disc height loss has been associated with spinal height change (SHC) and low back pain (LBP), including stenosis. Non-invasive methods to improve disc height loss require forms of lying down, which are unconducive to computer work. OBJECTIVE: Intermittent vertical traction (VT) integrated with seated computer work may provide ergonomic alternatives for increasing SHC to promote LBP relief. The primary aim was to develop and introduce a safe VT prototype and dosage to induce and measure SHC. Prototype comfort and LBP ratings were exploratory secondary aims. METHODS: Forty-one participants were stadiometry-measured for pre- and post-intervention SHC from seated VT at 35% body weight removed, supine lying (SL), and sitting at a computer (SIT) without VT. Pain ratings were recorded for those self-reporting LBP. VT prototype evaluations were compiled from a 3-question, 7-point Likert-style survey. RESULTS: SHC increased by 3.9 ± 3.4 mm in VT, 1.7 ± 3.4 mm in SIT, and 4.3 ± 3.1 mm in SL (P< 0.000). Post hoc findings were significant between VT and SIT (P< 0.000), and SL and SIT (P< 0.000). VT and SL LBP ratings both decreased, but not SIT. CONCLUSION: Intermittent seated VT is a promising alternative for postural relief during seated computer work, producing SHC similar to lying down without compromising workflow.
Keywords: Spine, low back pain, traction, sitting position, work
