Scientists from the University of Turku in Finland found that reducing sitting time by about 40 minutes a day can prevent back pain. The results of the study were published in BMJ Open.
The study involved overweight and obese volunteers who experienced back pain. Subjects were instructed to reduce the amount of time they spent sitting daily by approximately 40 minutes. The researchers explained that in people with back pain, excess fat is stored in the muscles, and impaired glucose metabolism or insulin sensitivity further predisposes to the discomfort.
Six months after the start of the experiment, volunteers reported a decrease in the intensity and frequency of pain. The scientists used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and PET imaging to assess the condition of the subjects' back muscles. Contrary to expectations, the researchers found that improvements in well-being were not associated with changes in weight or muscle glucose metabolism.
The team suggested that other mechanisms may underlie the therapeutic effect. More research is needed to accurately determine them.
The authors of the work added that the best solution for maintaining spinal health is walking or short workouts.
