1. Introduction
trunk muscle fatigue, LBP, thoracolumbar, fatigue, pain, muscle fatigue, Deep trunk muscles
CONTRACTION, CREST
Natural rubber is considered an economic plant in Thailand and is used to manufacture many products. Foam back pillows have proven to have various benefits for the lower back. However, no study has compared the effects of foam and rubber pillows. Therefore, the current study aimed to compare the efficacy of foam and rubber pillows on transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscle fatigue, patient satisfaction, and discomfort scores during 60 min of prolonged sitting. Thirty healthy participants were invited to the study and randomized into three sitting conditions over three consecutive days. The three groups were as follows: control, foam pillow, and rubber pillow. Our results revealed that the discomfort score increased with the sitting time in all three groups (Sedentary workers experience increased levels of inactivity, with a high proportion of prolonged sitting (≥30 min) [Deep trunk muscles contribute to spinal stability [The TrA muscle initially arises from the iliac crest, the lower six ribs, and the middle and lateral raphe of the thoracolumbar fascia, and it passes medially to insert at the linea alba [Previous studies have reported that the continuous contraction of trunk muscles in prolonged seated postures could cause deep trunk muscle fatigue, and this is particularly true for the TrA and IO muscles [According to McKenzie’s concept, LBP may stem from hypo-lordosis of the lumbar spine [Many studies have focused on supporting lumbar lordotic curves during prolonged sitting to relieve pain and maintain mobility in the lumbar spine region [To our knowledge, no studies have compared the immediate effects that back pillow supports made from foam and rubber materials have on the TrA and IO muscles during prolonged sitting. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of back pillow support (foam and rubber materials) on fatigue in the TrA and IO muscles, discomfort scores, and participant satisfaction during prolonged sitting.