Association between sedentary behavior and low back pain; A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Sedentariness is a substantial risk for many chronic diseases. We aimed to investigate the correlation of sedentary behavior and its indicators with low back pain (LBP) among adults and children. Methods: Original articles published up to April 28, 2020, using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus were evaluated. Odds ratio (OR, 95% CI) was considered the overall effect size for desired associations. Results: We reviewed 49 English articles with analytical observational study design, of which, 27 studies with cross sectional/survey design were retained in the meta-analysis. Among adults, sedentary lifestyle was a considerable risk factor for LBP (OR=1.24, 1.02-1.5); prolonged sitting time (OR=1.42, 1.09-1.85) and driving time (OR=2.03, 1.22-3.36) were the significant risk factors. Sedentary behavior was associated with LBP in office workers (OR=1.23). Moreover, excess weight (OR=1.35, 1.14-1.59) and smoking (OR=1.28, 1.03-1.60) were associated with LBP. Among children, sedentary lifestyle was a remarkable risk factor for LBP (OR=1.41, 1.24- 1.60); prolonged TV watching (OR=1.23, 1.08-1.41) and computer/mobile using and console playing time (OR=1.63, 1.36-1.95) were significant risk factors for LBP. Consumption of coffee, however, has yield conflicting results to be considered as a risk factor. Moreover, the researches on the correlation between sedentariness and high-intensity LBP are scarce and inconclusive. Conclusion: Sedentary behavior, whether in work or leisure time, associates with a moderate increase in the risk of LBP in adults, children and adolescents.

Are reallocations of time between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep associated with low back pain? A compositional data analysis

“…Our finding that reallocating time to LPA (from other wake-time behaviours) was favourably associated with the intensity of LBP (and vice versa) is in accordance with previous research 13 31. For example, a study that used CoDA found that reallocating time from SB to standing and walking (two common types of LPA) was associated with a lower intensity of LBP 31.…”

Brain Mechanisms of Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia: To Find a Way Out from “Fear-Avoidance Belief”

“…Consequently, when the attention of patients is restricted solely to their pain, they avoid any behaviors that predict induction of pain, leading to a dramatic reduction in physical activity (establishment of inactivity). Physical inactivity can result in several disuse syndromes, such as degradation of skeletal muscle function, depression, and social withdrawal, and can produce a vicious cycle that is reinforced by persistent pain [ 4 , 5 ]. The fear-avoidance model, advocated by Lethem et al, suggests that chronic pain is established through a vicious cycle consisting of anxiety, fear, and avoidance behaviors related to pain ( Figure 1 A) [ 6 ].…”

Physical activity, fear avoidance beliefs and level of disability in a multi-ethnic female population with chronic low back pain in Suriname: A population-based study

“…PA is described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “ any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure ” [ 4 ]. Insufficient PA and sedentary lifestyle have been reported as risk factors for LBP, especially in older adults [ 3 , 5 , 6 ].…”