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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-11-2015 | Original Article

Association between objectively measured sitting time and neck–shoulder pain among blue-collar workers

Authors: David M. Hallman, Nidhi Gupta, Svend Erik Mathiassen, Andreas Holtermann

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 8/2015

Abstract

Objectives

Prolonged sitting has been suggested as a risk factor for neck–shoulder pain (NSP). Using a cross-sectional design, we investigated the extent to which objectively measured time sitting is associated with NSP among blue-collar workers.

Methods

Sitting time was measured during multiple working days on male (n = 118) and female (n = 84) blue-collar workers (n = 202) using triaxial accelerometers (Actigraph) placed on the thigh and trunk. Workers were categorized into having, on average, a low, moderate or high sitting time, with mean values (SD between subjects) of 4.9 (1.0), 7.3 (0.5) and 9.6 (1.1) h in total per day. Workers rated their largest NSP intensity during the previous month on a numerical scale (0–9) and were subsequently dichotomized into a low and high NSP intensity group (ratings 0–4 and >4, respectively). Logistic regression analyses adjusted for several individual, and work-related factors were used to investigate the association between average sitting time per day (work, leisure and total) and NSP intensity.

Results

For total sitting time, workers in the high sitting category were more likely (adjusted OR 2.97, CI 1.25–7.03) to report high NSP intensity than those who sat moderately (reference category). Low sitting during work was associated with a reduced NSP intensity, but only for males (adjusted OR 0.26 CI 0.07–0.96). No significant association was found between sitting during leisure and NSP intensity.

Conclusion

These findings suggest an association between sitting time, in total per day and specifically during work, and NSP intensity among blue-collar workers. We encourage studying the structure and explanation of this association further in prospective studies on larger populations.

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Title: Association between objectively measured sitting time and neck–shoulder pain among blue-collar workers
Authors: David M. Hallman
Nidhi Gupta
Svend Erik Mathiassen
Andreas Holtermann
Publication date: 01-11-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 8/2015
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-015-1031-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Association between objectively measured sitting time and neck–shoulder pain among blue-collar workers

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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