Effect of Gel Seat Cushion on Chronic Low Back Pain in Occupational Drivers: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

This article reports the results of a double-blind randomized controlled trial of the effect of using a gel seat cushion to ameliorate chronic low back pain (LBP) in occupational drivers. The participants included occupational drivers with chronic LBP lasting for longer than 6 months who were randomized into two groups: those using gel cushions (n = 40) and those using foam cushions (n = 35). Pain threshold and tissue hardness were measured at tender points using a digital algometer. Instruments included the Numeric Pain Intensity Scale (NPIS), the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the Beck Depression Inventory and Short Form-6D. The authors found that both groups showed significant improvement in NPIS and ODI scores following cushion use. The results for Beck Depression Inventory and Short Form-6D scores indicated that gel cushion use was significantly helpful. Participants in the foam cushion group showed statistically significant improvement only in NPIS and ODI. The change in pain intensity was found to be significantly greater in the gel cushion group than in the foam cushion group. The authors conclude with a discussion of the possible factors involved, including posture correction, the role of vibration, musculature relaxation, and blood circulation.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000012598
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00257974
• Authors:
  • Lee, Jang Woo
  • Lim, Young-Ho
  • Won, Yu Hui
  • Kim, Dong Hyun
• Publication Date: 2018

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: e12598
• Serial:
  • Medicine
  • Volume: 97
  • Issue Number: 40
  • Publisher: Wolters Kluwer
  • ISSN: 0025-7974
  • EISSN: 1536-5964
  • Serial URL: http://journals.lww.com/md-journal/pages/default.aspx

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Back; Comfort; Commercial drivers; Cushioning materials; Occupational safety; Parts of seats; Posture; Truck drivers
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01706120
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 28 2019 9:46AM