Relevance of adding a triangular dynamic cushion on a traditional chair: A 3D-analysis of seated schoolchildren

[en] Background: Low back pain is highly prevalent in the general population and is even reported as early as at primary school. A poor sitting position has been suggested as an etiologic factor. This study analysed, in primary schoolchildren, the influence of a triangular dynamic cushion that aims to help children maintain their physiological lumbar lordosis and to induce movement to reduce the static effect of the sitting position. Methods: Thirty 8-year-old children took part in this study. A 3D analysis combined with electromyography was used to evaluate the biomechanics and the related muscle activation in two sitting positions (with and without a triangular cushion on a horizontal stool) during a 15-minute working task. In addition, the force of the feet on the ground was assessed with a force plate. Findings: The cushion improved the trunk–thighs angle, lumbar lordosis, anterior pelvis tilt, and feet support on the ground (p < 0.0001). In addition, sitting on the cushion appeared to be more dynamic (p < 0.05) and induced a decrease of the lumbar paravertebral muscle activity (p < 0.01). Interpretation: Sitting on a dynamic triangular cushion tends to favour the “ideal” siting position usually described in the literature and to decrease the level of paravertebral muscle recruitment. Seeing that sitting position is a risk factor to develop low back pain, the cushion could be a solution to prevent it.

Disciplines :

Orthopedics, rehabilitation & sports medicine

Author, co-author :

Fettweis, Tatiana ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la motricité > Kinésithérapie générale et réadaptation

Onkelinx, Marie-Noëlle

Schwartz, Cédric ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la motricité > Kinésithérapie générale et réadaptation

Demoulin, Christophe ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la motricité > Kinésithérapie spécifique et réadaptation motrice

Croisier, Jean-Louis ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la motricité > Kinésithérapie générale et réadaptation

Vanderthommen, Marc ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la motricité > Kinésithérapie spécifique et réadaptation motrice

Language :

English

Title :

Relevance of adding a triangular dynamic cushion on a traditional chair: A 3D-analysis of seated schoolchildren

Publication date :

2017

Journal title :

Clinical Biomechanics

ISSN :

0268-0033

Publisher :

Elsevier Science, Oxford, United Kingdom

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Available on ORBi :

since 02 October 2017

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