Are Measures of Postural Behavior Using Motion Sensors in Seated Office Workers Reliable?

Abstract

Objective: In this study, the reliability of measures of upper body postural behavior (head, thorax, neck, and arm) during sustained office work was evaluated. Background: Although there has been a substantial body of research examining the technical aspects of posture measurement in office workers using motion sensors, there is a paucity of literature examining whether posture-related behaviors are actually consistent among office workers in the field on different days and times. Method: Thirty one office workers performed their usual work for three, 1-hr sessions (two morning sessions and one afternoon session) while wearing wireless motion sensors. Reliability coefficients of the derived measures of postural behavior were calculated. Results: Most (30/31) of the postural behavior measures demonstrated modest to excellent reliability (ICC 2.1: 0.48–0.84). Reliability appeared to be mildly affected by factors such as the time of day recordings were taken and variations in desk setups. Conclusion: The findings suggest these measures may be a reliable method for evaluating postural behavior in the office work environment in future studies. Application: Postural measurement using a technical motion sensor described an acceptable reliability to be used for risk assessment in the workplace. Consideration of assessment time and desk setting would increase the accuracy of postural measurement.