The effect of dynamic sitting on the prevention and management of low back pain and low back discomfort: a systematic review

Abstract

Dynamic sitting has been proposed to reduce low back pain (LBP) and/or low back discomfort (LBD) while sitting. This is supported by studies suggesting that subjects with LBP assume more static, sustained postures while sitting. This systematic review investigated the effect of dynamic sitting on LBP among subjects with LBP and the development of LBD among pain-free subjects. Electronic databases were searched by two independent assessors. All prospective studies which compared the effect of a dynamic sitting condition on LBP or LBD to another sitting condition were eligible, with no minimum follow-up period applied. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Seven high-quality studies were eligible, including five crossover studies and two randomised controlled trials. The results suggest there is currently no evidence to support the use of dynamic sitting as a stand-alone approach in the management of LBP.

Practitioner Summary: This systematic review investigated the effect of dynamic sitting on LBP or LBD. Seven high-quality studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, the evidence suggests that dynamic sitting approaches are not effective as a stand-alone management approach for LBP.

Keywords:

• dynamic sitting
• back pain
• discomfort
• systematic review

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Health Research Board of Ireland, for sponsoring the lead author (KOS), and the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland, for sponsoring another author (MOK) on a research studentship.