Dynamic sitting with prototype office chairs for lower back pain
Official title: Effect of Dynamic Sitting on Pain Development - Part 2 - a Randomized Controlled Cross-over Study
Run by University of Applied Sciences for Health Professions Upper Austria · NCT07197879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether using two types of dynamic office chairs instead of a static chair can prevent or reduce lower back pain in office workers who tend to develop pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Applied Sciences for Health Professions Upper Austria Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Linz, Upper Austria) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 12, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 29, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07197879 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Office workers aged 18–65 who work more than 25 hours per week, are classified as pain developers, are at least 160 cm tall, and have German language skills of at least B2 are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with chronic diseases affecting pain, those on regular pain medications, pregnant people, wheelchair users, those with vestibular dysfunction, or those outside the study height/weight limits are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label crossover study with two parallel tracks comparing a saddle chair with a standard pendulum mechanism and an office swivel chair with a newly developed pendulum mechanism against a static office chair. Eligible office workers classified as pain developers are randomized and complete a pre-screening plus four assessment visits with a washout period between control and intervention phases. Prototypes of the dynamic chairs are professionally developed and then examined for musculoskeletal effects, physical and mental well-being, and usability. Randomization uses opaque envelopes and all participants complete identical assessments across conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, dynamic chairs could reduce the development of lower back pain and improve physical and mental well-being for office workers.
How similar studies have gone: This project follows earlier Dyn-Sit-Pain work that suggested ergonomic benefits, but the specific newly developed pendulum mechanism is novel and has limited prior clinical testing.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Signed Informed consent * People aged between 18 and 65 years * People classified as pain developers (e.g.: a 10 mm increase in pain on a 100 mm paper-based VAS) * Office workers * Employment status: \> 25 h / week * Sufficient knowledge of German (min. B2 level) * Body height of at least 160cm required * Electrically or manually height-adjustable table at main workstation Exclusion Criteria: * Physical or mental limitations that make dynamic sitting or use of the procedure chair difficult (e.g. wheelchair users, vestibular dysfunction) * Pregnancy * Sitting for less than 20 hours per week at the main workplace * Body weight over 110 kg and a body height over 195 cm * Regular therapy or medication for pain or medication that affects the perception of pain (e.g. certain psychotropic drugs according to the package leaflet) * office chair to which it is not possible to attach the swivel mechanism prototype * Presence of any chronic disease that may influence pain perception (e.g., chronic kidney disease, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, chronic fatigue syndrome)
Where it's running
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University of Applied Sciences for Health Professions Upper Austria
Linz, Upper Austria, Austria Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.