Cut daily sitting time by 40 minutes to 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 40 minutes daily for half a year brought beneficial effects for those who are overweight or obese.
Reducing the time spent sitting during the day can be an effective method for alleviating back pain. This topic was researched by scientists from the University of Turku in Finland.
The researchers presented the results of their study in the journal "BMJ Open", showing that limiting daily sitting could reduce or prevent back pain, particularly in adults who are overweight or obese. The study participants reduced their sitting by 40 minutes a day for six months.
Lack of studies on this aspect
Although it seems logical that a lack of movement and prolonged sitting negatively affect back pain, substantial data supporting this thesis have been lacking until now. Researchers from Turku decided to fill this gap. More than 60 adults struggling with overweight or obesity, who spent most of their days sitting, participated in the study.
The study's author, physiotherapist Jooa Norha, indicated that the participants were middle-aged adults who led a sedentary lifestyle, engaged in little exercise, and were overweight. All these factors increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and back pain.
The study showed that the group reducing their sitting by about 40 minutes daily for six months did not experience an increase in back pain, unlike the control group, which experienced more severe pain.
The researchers also analysed the possible mechanisms behind this effect. Jooa Norha explained that the reduction of back pain was not related to changes in the amount of fat tissue or glucose metabolism in the back muscles. People suffering from back pain often have excess fat in the back muscles and problems with glucose metabolism, which can lead to pain. However, the study showed that back pain can be alleviated despite a lack of changes in muscle structure and metabolism.
Recommendations for people with back pain
Norha advises that people prone to back pain or concerned about their back health should try to limit the time spent sitting both at work and during their leisure time. He also emphasised that any form of physical activity, even walking or vigorous exercises, is better than simply standing still.
The physiotherapist also highlighted the importance of frequently changing positions during work and leisure, which is more important than finding one perfect position.
