The study of relationship between core stability and back discomfort and muscle activity during laptop work in the sitting position

Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders leading to disability in the world. Several studies have shown that long-term sitting is associated with low back pain and discomfort. The weakness of core stability is referred to as one of the factors associated with the low back pain. So the purpose of this study was the study of relationship between core stability and back discomfort and muscle activity during laptop work in the sitting position. Twenty young healthy males participated in this study. They performed laptop work (involving computer mouse work and typing task) in the sitting position. The electromyographic activity of back muscles and the posture of the lumbar spine were recorded in the first and last 2 min of each task. At the end of each task, the participants scored their back discomfort. Core stability was measured using McGill’s tests (including flexor, extensor, left side bridge and right side bridge tests). The Pearson and partial correlation test were used for analysis of correlation between variables. There was a negative significant correlation between core stability and activity level of the lumbar erector spinae (r= -57, p= 0.013) and left multifidus (r= -.50, p= 0.034), but correlation between discomfort and core stability was not found (r= 0.08, p= 0.748). Core stability appears to be an effective factor on the back muscles activation pattern during sitting. But confirmation of this issue requires further research. It is recommended to take in to account the core stability factor ,in the design of low back pain prevention interventions for people who committed sanitary works for long time.