Cutting sitting time by 40 minutes may ease back pain
Reducing sitting time can effectively alleviate back pain, according to research by scientists from the University of Turku. The experiment demonstrated that reducing sitting by about 40 minutes a day for six months resulted in beneficial effects for individuals who are overweight or obese.
8:33 AM EDT, October 11, 2024
Decreasing the amount of time spent sitting during the day is an effective method for easing back pain. This topic was investigated by scientists from the University of Turku in Finland.
The researchers published their results in the journal "BMJ Open," showing that limiting daily sitting time can reduce or prevent back pain, especially in overweight or obese adults. Study participants reduced their sitting time by about 40 minutes daily for six months.
Lacking research on this aspect
Although it seems logical that lack of movement and prolonged sitting negatively affect back pain, there was previously a lack of substantial data confirming this hypothesis. Researchers from Turku aimed to fill this gap. The study involved over 60 adults who were overweight or obese and spent most of their day sitting.
The study's lead author, physiotherapist Jooa Norha, noted that the participants were middle-aged adults leading a sedentary lifestyle, with little exercise. All these factors increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and back pain.
The study showed that the group reducing sitting by about 40 minutes a day for six months did not experience an increase in back pain, unlike the control group, whose pain intensified.
Researchers also explored the possible mechanisms behind this effect. Jooa Norha explained that the reduction in back pain was not related to changes in body fat or glucose metabolism in the back muscles. Individuals suffering from back pain often have excess fat in their back muscles and glucose metabolism issues, which can contribute to pain. However, the study demonstrated that back pain can be alleviated even without changes in muscle structure and metabolism.
Recommendations for people with back pain
Norha advises people prone to back pain or concerned about their back health to try reducing sitting time at work and leisure. He emphasized that any form of physical activity, even walking or vigorous exercises, is better than remaining stationary.
The physiotherapist also highlighted the importance of frequently changing positions during work and relaxation, suggesting that it's more crucial than finding one ideal position.
