WHO describes "low back pain" (LBP) as the most common problem in overall occupational-related diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics of spinal functionality among sedentary workers and determine usability of the SpinalMouse® skin-surface measurement device in workplace settings in a risk population for LBP. The spinal examination was implemented at National Instruments Corporations' Hungarian subsidiary, Debrecen in October, 2015, involving 95 white-collar employees as volunteers to assess spinal posture and functional movements. Data from the physical examination of 91 subjects (age: 34.22 ± 7.97 years) were analyzed. Results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in posture and mobility of the spinal regions in sitting compared to standing position. Significant positive correlations were observed between values measured in standing and sitting positions in all observed regions and aspects of the spine (p < 0.05) except posture of lumbar extension (p = 0.07) and mobility of sacrum/hip in E-F (p = 0.818). Significant (p < 0.001) difference (5.70°) was found between the spinal inclination in sitting 6.47 ± 3.55° compared to standing 0.77 ± 2.53 position. Sitting position has a negative effect on the posture and mobility of the spine among white-collar employees. The SpinalMouse can be used effectively to determine spinal posture and mobility in cross-sectional studies and impact analysis of physical exercise interventions.
Keywords: SpinalMouse; health promotion; low back pain; occupational health; skin surface measures.