Effects of a Posture-Sensing Air Seat Device (PSASD) on kinematics and trunk muscle activity during continuous computer work

Abstract

The prevalence and incidence of musculoskeletal disorders is high with computer workers, and poor sitting posture can be considered a factor contributing to low back discomfort. In the clinical literature, maintaining a neutral spinal curvature has been considered an optimal sitting posture. This study investigated the flexion and lateral flexion of trunk movements and trunk muscle activity during computer work with and without a posture-sensing air seat device (PSASD). By sensing a certain amount of increased pressure over the baseline, posture-related visual feedback was given to participants through the PSASD. Eleven regular computer workers participated in this study. PSASD had the function of alerting the subject to their poor posture by using visual feedback. Subjects performed 20 min of computer work with and without a PSASD. Surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of the erector spine and internal abdominal oblique. Kinematic data were obtained using an electrogoniometer. The results showed that the mean of trunk flexion and lateral flexion was significantly reduced with PSASD. The activity of the erector spine and internal oblique was significantly higher with the PSASD than without. Our findings indicated that the PSASD helps to prevent habitual poor posture by maintaining an erect sitting posture during prolonged computer work.