Thirty Minutes Identified as the Threshold for Development of Pain in Low Back and Feet Regions, and Predictors of Intensity of Pain during 1-h Laboratory-Based Standing in Office Workers

Abstract

This study with 40 office workers investigated (a) the effect of time spent standing on low- back and lower limb pain during a 1-h laboratory-based task; (b) the standing time after which a significant increase in pain is likely; and (c) the individual, physical and psychosocial factors that predict pain. The primary outcome was bodily location of pain and pain intensity on a 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale recorded at baseline and every 15 min. Physical measures included trunk and hip motor control and endurance. Self-report history of pain, physical activity, psychosocial job characteristics, pain catastrophizing and general health status were collected. Univariate analysis and regression models were included. The prevalence of low-back pain increased from 15% to 40% after 30 min while feet pain increased to 25% from 0 at baseline. The intensity of low-back and lower limb pain also increased over time. Thirty-minutes was identified as the threshold for the development and increase in low-back and feet pain. Modifiable factors were associated with low-back pain intensity—lower hip abductor muscle endurance and poorer physical health, and with feet symptoms—greater body mass index and less core stability.

Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Cameramen

“…This study determined 30 minutes of standing as a threshold for the development of pain in the lower back region. [18] A study conducted on newsreel cameramen revealed that carrying a mobile camera on their shoulder may cause suprascapular nerve entrapment and shoulder pain, which can be considered an occupational disorder. [19] In our study, 56.98% of the participating cameramen reported shoulder pain, which may have been influenced by suprascapular nerve entrapment due to the contact stress and pressure generated by handling a portable shoulder camera.…”