Exploring the mechanisms underlying the transient sitting-induced pain response in healthy individuals

Summers, Allyson (2024) Exploring the mechanisms underlying the transient sitting-induced pain response in healthy individuals. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Background: Prolonged sitting has been shown to induce clinically relevant levels of transient low back pain in some back-healthy individuals. However, where this pain signal is coming from is unknown. Tissue loading instigating inflammation, or a baseline sensitivity to pain are two potential mechanisms that could explain this response. Methods: 50 pain-free healthy adults were exposed to 60-minutes of sitting. Perceived pain ratings were taken to classify pain groups. Biomarkers of inflammation and peak brain wave alpha frequency were taken immediately before and after the trial. Results: 29 participants were identified as pain developers and 21 as non-pain developers. Peak alpha frequency, and spine posture were not significantly different between groups. Non-pain developers had significantly higher concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10 and displayed more frequent shifts in during sitting compared to those without pain. Conclusion: These results suggest that neither inflammation or pain sensitivity are likely explanations for the transient pain groups identified. However, findings suggest underlying differences between pain groups. Although adopting similar back postures during sitting, nonpain developers moved more during sitting, which may suggest a protective behaviour. Future research should explore the differences in inflammatory markers as well as longer sitting durations.

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