Low back pain (LBP) is a common affliction among office workers. In Japan, it’s estimated that one in every ten otherwise healthy office employees experiences LBP. While stretching and exercise are known remedies, these measures are often employed reactively rather than proactively. Imagine, however, if our very chairs could preemptively warn us, helping to prevent the pain from escalating.

To address this issue, a team from Tohoku University has introduced an innovative prediction technique that leverages pressure sensors affixed to standard office chairs. These “smart chairs” are designed to monitor the user’s movements in real time, providing both dynamic and quantitative data.

This technology was tested in a practical environment, not just within the confines of a laboratory. Data was collected from 22 participants over three months, allowing the research team to delve into the intricacies of sitting habits and identify patterns indicative of LBP development.

The researchers employed various machine learning algorithms to identify a recurring pattern in the participants’ sitting behaviour. They noted minor adjustments in the body’s trunk that help prevent the locking of vertebral joints, thereby staving off the progression of LBP. The occurrence rate of these movements serves as a predictive measure for the potential worsening of LBP as the day progresses, using the individual’s state in the morning as a baseline for comparison.

Looking forward, the research team is enthusiastic about extending the application of this technology to encompass other parts of the body. “While our current focus has been on LBP, we are keen on gathering data related to the head and neck areas. This could potentially enable us to predict and prevent conditions such as stiff necks and headaches,” mentioned Ryoichi Nagatomi, a coauthor of the study. This innovative approach represents a significant step forward in our ongoing battle against the physical strains associated with office work, offering a glimpse into a future where technology plays a crucial role in our health and well-being.

More information: Ryoichi Nagatomi et al, Low Back Pain Exacerbation Is Predictable Through Motif Identification in Center of Pressure Time Series Recorded During Dynamic Sitting, Frontiers in Physiology. DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.696077

Journal information: Frontiers in Physiology Provided by Tohoku University