A sitting or standing position – which one exerts more loads on the musculoskeletal system of the lumbar spine? Comparative tests based on the methods of mathematical modelling

Purpose: The work aimed to assess the functioning of the musculoskeletal system within the lumbar spine in relation to everyday postures of sitting and standing. Methods: The comparative analysis was based both on experimental tests and computer simulations performed in the AnyBody Modeling System environment. Input data used to prepare models were based on the information obtained in experimental tests. The test participants were tasked with adopting two postures: 1) standing position and 2) sitting position. Kinematics measurements were performed using the Zebris ultrasonic system. During sitting position, the tests additionally involved the use of a dynamometric platform measuring reaction forces occurring between buttocks and the seat. Results: The comparative analysis included measurements of the trunk inclination angle and the pelvic inclination angle as well as results of computer simulations. The sitting posture is responsible for increased trunk inclination and a change in the position of the pelvis. In terms of the sitting position, it was possible to observe an increase in the loads affecting individual intervertebral joints of the lumbar spine by 155–184% in comparison with the standing posture (100%). Simulations revealed an increased muscle activity of the erector spinae, abdominal internal oblique muscles and abdominal external oblique muscles. Conclusions: Adopting a sitting position increases the loads on the lumbar spine and increases the activity of the erector spinae and abdominal muscles compared to the standing position, which is caused by change in the position of the pelvis and the curvature of the lumbar region.