Impact of a sit-stand workstation plus advice, with or without exercise training, on lower back symptoms in office workers: a pilot trial

Participants allocated to this intervention will receive a sit-stand workstation for 4 weeks after one week of baseline data collection. Information and written guidelines on the safe use of the workstation will be provided. Guidelines include: commence with short bouts of standing (e.g., 10 minutes) and progress towards accumulating a total of at least 2 hours, but preferably 4 hours, of standing per day during working hours; interrupt sitting at least every 30 minutes and spend no more than 1 hour standing at a time; sit if any pain or symptoms are experienced during standing. In addition, participants will be provided with a progressive resistance exercise program.. The exercises (arm and leg extensions in four-point kneeling; bridging; wall squats and ‘clamshells’ in side lying) will be taught by a physiotherapist who will monitor and progress the exercises weekly. Participants are to perform the prescribed exercises (2 sets of 20 repetitions with 30s rest between each set) for up to 20 minutes at least three times per week during work time. The exercises will be implemented and progressed within the specific capabilities of the individual as determined by the attending physiotherapist who will visit once per week. Adherence to the exercise intervention (frequency, intensity and adverse events) will be recorded in a diary which explains and illustrates each exercise.