A newly developed floor chair placed on an office chair reduces lumbar muscle fatigue by cyclically changing its lumbar supporting shape

Abstract

[Purpose] This study investigated lumbar muscle fatigue before and after maintaining a seated position for one hour, lumbar and pelvic inclination angle change, in subjects with and without active lumber support. [Subjects and Methods] Fourteen healthy subjects randomized into two groups sat on a floor chair, placed on an office chair, that cyclically changed its lumbar supporting shape to provide active lumbar support (ALS) or no ALS for one hour. Before and after, we measured the frequency of muscle waveforms of the trunk extensor muscles when the subjects lifted an object weighing 10% of their body weight, using both hands while seated. In addition, ROMt (Range of motion test) of trunk rotation, degree of fatigue and muscle stiffness were analyzed. [Results] Muscle frequency while lifting the weight decreased significantly without ALS compared to with ALS. Mean muscle stiffness increased, ROMt decreased in desk work task significantly without ALS compared to with ALS. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the lumbar muscles became fatigued, because low frequencies, increased muscle stiffness, and decreased ROMt without ALS. We suggest lumbar muscle fatigue was maintained low for subjects seated in a chair with ALS.