Do fixed or personalised sit-stand desk ratios improve lower back pain? A randomised trial

Charlotte L Brakenridge; Venerina Johnston; Nicole E Andrews; Sjaan R Gomersall; Trevor Russell; Michelle D Smith

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104670

Do fixed or personalised sit-stand desk ratios improve lower back pain? A randomised trial

Appl Ergon. 2026 Feb:131:104670. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104670. Epub 2025 Oct 21.

Authors

Charlotte L Brakenridge¹, Venerina Johnston², Nicole E Andrews³, Sjaan R Gomersall⁴, Trevor Russell⁵, Michelle D Smith⁶

Affiliations

¹ Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia; School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: c.brakenridge@griffith.edu.au.
² School of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia; School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
³ RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service, The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, Australia; The Tess Cramond Pain and Research Centre, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia; Occupational Therapy Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia.
⁴ School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
⁵ RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service, The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, Australia.
⁶ School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

PMID: 41124790
DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104670

Abstract

Alternating posture between sitting and standing with sit-stand desks may improve lower back pain (LBP). This study explored the effectiveness, acceptability and adherence of two sit-stand desk recommendations on LBP (measured via App) and secondary health and work outcomes. Fifty-six desk-based workers with LBP (age = 37.7 [SD = 10.0] years, 75 % women) were randomised to either a fixed ratio (30 min sitting:15 min standing); or a personalised ratio (self-selected or pre-emptive to discomfort). After 3 months, fixed ratio participants experienced reduced worst (-1.33 points/10) and average LBP (-0.83 points/10); personalised ratio participants experienced reduced worst LBP only (-0.69 points/10). Fixed ratio participants improved in their job-related stress, concentration and presenteeism; whereas, personalised ratio participants reduced their sitting time. Both recommendations were acceptable, while adherence was higher in the fixed ratio group. In conclusion, a 30:15 sit-stand ratio was acceptable and effective at improving LBP in the short term compared to a personalised ratio.

Keywords: Activity pacing; Lower back pain; Sit-stand desk.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

Adult
Ergonomics
Female
Humans
Interior Design and Furnishings*
Low Back Pain* / prevention & control
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases* / prevention & control
Posture*
Sitting Position*
Standing Position*