ABSTRACT
Most computer science students at the University of British Columbia (UBC) will work in careers where they sit for long periods of time. Primary research shows this causes long-term back pain. Sitting can also contribute to obesity, but only when there is no exercise outside of work. Risk of back pain is only slightly mitigated by exercise outside of workplace sitting. Both good posture and desks that transition between sitting and standing somewhat reduce the risk of back pain.
The following health interventions are recommended based on this research:
- It is good for back health to take one or two minutes to walk, stretch, or be active after sitting for 30 minutes.
- Sitting with good posture and proper support will protect the back. This includes:
- Sitting upright with the upper back resting firmly against a back rest
- Supporting the lower back with a cushion placed against it and the chair
- Supporting the forearms with arm rests
- If it is within the budget or available, an activity permissive work station is useful.
- Regular exercise, ideally 3-5 times per week, will safeguard from obesity.
Computer science students at UBC were surveyed about their opinions on how sitting affects their health. All students surveyed understood that sitting too often is bad for their health and can cause back pain. Most (83%) understood that it can cause obesity. Seventy-five percent of students correctly answered that good posture partially reduces the detriments of sitting, 66.67% correctly said the same for desks that can transition between standing and sitting (activity permissive desks), and only 45.83% correctly said the same for exercising regularly.
Based on the survey results, some students still need to be taught that regular exercise, good posture, and an activity permissive workstation are helpful, but not perfect at reducing the detriments of long-term sitting.
Formal Report (.pdf) – Negative Effects of Long-Term Sitting – Phillip Tellier
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