{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,7]],"date-time":"2026-04-07T07:30:21Z","timestamp":1775547021650,"version":"3.50.1"},"reference-count":50,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"4","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2023,2,20]],"date-time":"2023-02-20T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1676851200000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["IJERPH"],"abstract":"<jats:p>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 (p &lt; 0.05). The control group had the highest discomfort when compared to the rubber pillow group at 30 min (T4; p = 0.007) and 60 min (T7; p = 0.0001), as well as the foam pillow group at 60 min (T7; p = 0.0001). Participants were more satisfied sitting with the two types of back pillows at the initial time (T1; p = 0.0001) and at 60 min (T7; p = 0.0001) when compared with the control group. Furthermore, the participants were more satisfied with using rubber pillows rather than foam pillows throughout the sitting period (p = 0.0001). The control group experienced more transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscle fatigue at 60 min (T7) of sitting compared to the initial time (T1) (p = 0.038). Thus, sitting with pillow support can decrease deep trunk muscle fatigue, and using a pillow made from natural rubber may ensure greater satisfaction and less discomfort for the user.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph20043742","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2023,2,20]],"date-time":"2023-02-20T05:57:52Z","timestamp":1676872672000},"page":"3742","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":2,"title":["The Effect of Two Types of Back Pillow Support on Transversus Abdominis and Internal Oblique Muscle Fatigue, Patient Satisfaction, and Discomfort Score during Prolonged Sitting"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"20","author":[{"given":"Rungthip","family":"Puntumetakul","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand"},{"name":"Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Thiwaphon","family":"Chatprem","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand"},{"name":"Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-2029-7895","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Pongsatorn","family":"Saiklang","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Division of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Srinakharinwiroj University, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-2566-4642","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Arisa","family":"Leungbootnak","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Human Movement Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2023,2,20]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"184","DOI":"10.1016\/j.pmedr.2016.06.011","article-title":"Office workers\u2019 objectively assessed total and prolonged sitting time: Individual-level correlates and worksite variations","volume":"4","author":"Hadgraft","year":"2016","journal-title":"Prev. Med. Rep."},{"key":"ref_2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Parry, S., and Straker, L. (2013). The contribution of office work to sedentary behaviour associated risk. BMC Public Health, 13, Available online: http:\/\/www.biomedcentral.com\/1471-2458\/13\/296.","DOI":"10.1186\/1471-2458-13-296"},{"key":"ref_3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"125","DOI":"10.4103\/0019-5278.203136","article-title":"Physical activity levels and prevalence of low back pain in Thai call-center operators","volume":"20","author":"Montakarn","year":"2016","journal-title":"Indian J. Occup. Environ. Med."},{"key":"ref_4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"80","DOI":"10.3389\/fpubh.2019.00080","article-title":"The relationship between sedentary behavior, back pain, and psychosocial correlates among university employees","volume":"7","author":"Hanna","year":"2019","journal-title":"Front. Public Health"},{"key":"ref_5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"797","DOI":"10.1007\/s00420-009-0410-0","article-title":"Sedentary lifestyle as a risk factor for low back pain: A systematic review","volume":"82","author":"Chen","year":"2009","journal-title":"Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health"},{"key":"ref_6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1281","DOI":"10.1080\/13696998.2017.1372252","article-title":"A health economic lifetime treatment pathway model for low back pain in Sweden","volume":"20","author":"Olafsson","year":"2017","journal-title":"J. Med. Econ."},{"key":"ref_7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"482","DOI":"10.1016\/S0140-6736(11)60610-7","article-title":"Non-specific low back pain","volume":"379","author":"Mannion","year":"2012","journal-title":"Lancet"},{"key":"ref_8","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"371","DOI":"10.1016\/S1050-6411(03)00044-0","article-title":"Clinical spinal instability and low back pain","volume":"13","author":"Panjabi","year":"2003","journal-title":"J. Electromyogr. Kinesiol."},{"key":"ref_9","first-page":"10","article-title":"Core Training: Stabilizing the confusion","volume":"29","author":"Faries","year":"2007","journal-title":"Strength Cond. J."},{"key":"ref_10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.3109\/17453678909154177","article-title":"Stability of the lumbar spine: A study in mechanical engineering","volume":"60","author":"Bergmark","year":"1989","journal-title":"Acta Orthop."},{"key":"ref_11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"353","DOI":"10.1016\/S1050-6411(03)00043-9","article-title":"Coordination of muscle activity to assure stability of the lumbar spine","volume":"13","author":"McGill","year":"2003","journal-title":"J. Electromyogr. Kinesiol."},{"key":"ref_12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1873","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jbiomech.2004.08.016","article-title":"Intra-abdominal pressure increases stiffness of the lumbar spine","volume":"38","author":"Hodges","year":"2005","journal-title":"J. Biomech."},{"key":"ref_13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"55","DOI":"10.1080\/00140139.2020.1810326","article-title":"The immediate effect of the abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique on stature change in seated sedentary workers with chronic low back pain","volume":"64","author":"Saiklang","year":"2020","journal-title":"Ergonomics"},{"key":"ref_14","first-page":"25","article-title":"Core stabilization training for middle and long-distance runners","volume":"20","author":"Fredericson","year":"2005","journal-title":"New Stud. Athl."},{"key":"ref_15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2640","DOI":"10.1097\/00007632-199611150-00014","article-title":"Inefficient muscular stabilization of lumbar spine associated with low back pain: A motor evaluation of transversus abdominis","volume":"21","author":"Hodges","year":"1996","journal-title":"Spine"},{"key":"ref_16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"69","DOI":"10.1007\/s002210050601","article-title":"Preparatory trunk motion accompanies rapid upper limb movement","volume":"124","author":"Hodges","year":"1999","journal-title":"Exp. Brain Res."},{"key":"ref_17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"49","DOI":"10.1016\/j.shaw.2015.08.001","article-title":"Internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscle fatigue induced by slumped sitting posture after 1 hour of sitting in office workers","volume":"7","author":"Waongenngarm","year":"2016","journal-title":"Saf. Health Work."},{"key":"ref_18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"857","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jbiomech.2015.11.041","article-title":"The poro-elastic behaviour of the intervertebral disc: A new perspective on diurnal fluid flow","volume":"49","author":"Vergroesen","year":"2016","journal-title":"J. Biomech."},{"key":"ref_19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"127","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ejrad.2012.07.023","article-title":"Biomechanics of the spine. Part II: Spinal instability","volume":"82","author":"Izzo","year":"2013","journal-title":"Eur. J. Radiol."},{"key":"ref_20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"820","DOI":"10.1177\/0018720820966082","article-title":"An evaluation of an innovative exercise to relieve chronic low back pain in sedentary workers","volume":"64","author":"Saiklang","year":"2020","journal-title":"Hum. Factors J. Hum. Factors Ergon. Soc."},{"key":"ref_21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"55","DOI":"10.3233\/BMR-130419","article-title":"Influence of trunk muscle co-contraction on spinal curvature during sitting","volume":"27","author":"Watanabe","year":"2014","journal-title":"J. Back Musculoskelet. Rehabilit."},{"key":"ref_22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"297","DOI":"10.1016\/j.spinee.2010.01.009","article-title":"Magnetic resonance imaging and stadiometric assessment of the lumbar discs after sitting and chair-care decompression exercise: A pilot study","volume":"10","author":"Fryer","year":"2010","journal-title":"Spine J."},{"key":"ref_23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1149","DOI":"10.1177\/0018720815593184","article-title":"Evaluating abdominal and lower back muscle activity while performing core exercises on a stability ball and a dynamic office chair","volume":"57","author":"Holmes","year":"2015","journal-title":"Hum. Factors J. Hum. Factors Ergon. Soc."},{"key":"ref_24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"142","DOI":"10.1518\/001872006776412243","article-title":"Stability ball versus office chair: Comparisonof muscle activation and lumbar spine posture during prolonged sitting","volume":"48","author":"Gregory","year":"2006","journal-title":"Hum. Factors J. Hum. Factors Ergon. Soc."},{"key":"ref_25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"60","DOI":"10.1016\/S0899-3467(07)60044-5","article-title":"McKenzie diagnosis and therapy in the evaluation and management of a lumbar disc derangement syndrome: A case study","volume":"2","author":"Santolin","year":"2003","journal-title":"J. Chiropr. Med."},{"key":"ref_26","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2035","DOI":"10.1589\/jpts.27.2035","article-title":"Effectiveness of a back care pillow as an adjuvant physical therapy for chronic non-specific low back pain treatment: A randomized controlled trial","volume":"27","author":"Prommanon","year":"2015","journal-title":"J. Phys. Ther. Sci."},{"key":"ref_27","first-page":"116","article-title":"A comparative study of the effectiveness of the use of a back care pillow and a lumbar support, as an adjuvant physical therapy in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain","volume":"28","author":"Kompayak","year":"2016","journal-title":"J. Med. Technol. Phys. Ther."},{"key":"ref_28","first-page":"80","article-title":"Feasibility of using natural rubber (NR) Latex foam as a soft robotic finger: Role of foaming agent in morphology and dynamic properties of NR latex foam","volume":"14","author":"Chuayprakong","year":"2021","journal-title":"Appl. Sci. Eng. Prog."},{"key":"ref_29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"3359","DOI":"10.1589\/jpts.27.3359","article-title":"Immediate effects of dynamic sitting exercise on the lower back mobility of sedentary young adults","volume":"27","author":"Chatchawan","year":"2015","journal-title":"J. Phys. Ther. Sci."},{"key":"ref_30","first-page":"308","article-title":"The measurement of lumbar spinal curvature in normal Thai population aged 20\u201369 years using flexible ruler","volume":"24","author":"PuntumetaKul","year":"2012","journal-title":"J. Med. Technol. Phy. Ther."},{"key":"ref_31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"180","DOI":"10.1002\/nur.20247","article-title":"Considerations in determining sample size for pilot studies","volume":"31","author":"Hertzog","year":"2008","journal-title":"Res. Nurs. Health"},{"key":"ref_32","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2399","DOI":"10.1016\/j.pain.2011.07.005","article-title":"Validity of four pain intensity rating scales","volume":"152","author":"Jensen","year":"2011","journal-title":"Pain"},{"key":"ref_33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"E492","DOI":"10.1097\/01.brs.0000143664.02702.0b","article-title":"Concurrent comparison of responsiveness in pain and functional status measurements used for patients with low back pain","volume":"29","author":"Grotle","year":"2004","journal-title":"Spine"},{"key":"ref_34","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"55","DOI":"10.1007\/s00586-004-0815-0","article-title":"Development of a german version of the oswestry disability index. Part i: Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity","volume":"15","author":"Mannion","year":"2005","journal-title":"Eur. Spine J."},{"key":"ref_35","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"760","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jclinepi.2009.09.009","article-title":"Global perceived effect scales provided reliable assessments of health transition in people with musculoskeletal disorders, but ratings are strongly influenced by current status","volume":"63","author":"Kamper","year":"2010","journal-title":"J. Clin. Epidemiology"},{"key":"ref_36","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"477","DOI":"10.1016\/S1050-6411(03)00027-0","article-title":"The validity and reliability of surface EMG to assess the neuromuscular response of the abdominal muscles to rapid limb movement","volume":"13","author":"Marshell","year":"2003","journal-title":"J. Electromyogr. Kinesiol."},{"key":"ref_37","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"369","DOI":"10.2519\/jospt.2010.3211","article-title":"Trunk muscle activity during lumbar stabilization exercises on both a stable and unstable surface","volume":"40","author":"Imai","year":"2010","journal-title":"J. Orthop. Sports Phys. Ther."},{"key":"ref_38","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1189","DOI":"10.2147\/PPA.S50436","article-title":"Effect of 10-week core stabilization exercise training and detraining on pain-related outcomes in patients with clinical lumbar instability","volume":"7","author":"Puntumetakul","year":"2013","journal-title":"Patient Prefer. Adherence"},{"key":"ref_39","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1007","DOI":"10.1589\/jpts.24.1007","article-title":"Core stabilization exercise improves pain intensity, functional disability and trunk muscle activity of patients with clinical lumbar instability: A pilot randomized controlled study","volume":"24","author":"Areeudomwong","year":"2012","journal-title":"J. Phys. Ther. Sci."},{"key":"ref_40","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2355","DOI":"10.1016\/S1388-2457(03)00249-9","article-title":"Reliability of electromyographic and torque measures during isometric axial rotation exertions of the trunk","volume":"114","author":"Ng","year":"2003","journal-title":"Clin. Neurophysiol."},{"key":"ref_41","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"212","DOI":"10.1016\/j.shaw.2016.10.005","article-title":"Seat pressure distributioncharacteristics during 1 hour sitting in office workers with andwithout chronic low back pain","volume":"8","author":"Akkarakittichoke","year":"2017","journal-title":"Saf. Health Work."},{"key":"ref_42","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Baker, R., Coenen, P., Howie, E., Williamson, A., and Straker, L. (2018). The short term musculoskeletal and cognitive effects of prolonged sitting during office computer work. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 15.","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph15081678"},{"key":"ref_43","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"409","DOI":"10.1016\/S0169-8141(97)00012-7","article-title":"The effects of a back belt on posture, strength, and spinal compressive force during static lift exertions","volume":"22","author":"Woldstad","year":"1998","journal-title":"Int. J. Ind. Ergon."},{"key":"ref_44","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"456","DOI":"10.1097\/00007632-198606000-00012","article-title":"A study of lumbosacral orientation under varied static loads","volume":"11","author":"Anderson","year":"1986","journal-title":"Spine"},{"key":"ref_45","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"431","DOI":"10.1097\/00007632-200002150-00007","article-title":"Effects of backward bending on lumbar intervertebral discs. Relevance to physical therapy treatments for low back pain","volume":"25","author":"Adams","year":"2000","journal-title":"Spine"},{"key":"ref_46","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"126916","DOI":"10.1016\/j.matlet.2019.126916","article-title":"Natural rubber latex foam production using air microbubbles: Microstructure and physical properties","volume":"260","author":"Sirikulchaikij","year":"2020","journal-title":"Mater. Lett."},{"key":"ref_47","unstructured":"Schaefer, R.J. (2009). Mechanical Properties of Rubber in Harris Shock and Vibration Handbook, McGraw Hill."},{"key":"ref_48","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"693","DOI":"10.1080\/00140139.2012.658086","article-title":"Effects of handicraft sitting postures on lower trunk muscle fatigue","volume":"55","author":"Areeudomwong","year":"2012","journal-title":"Ergonomics"},{"key":"ref_49","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1120","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jpain.2010.02.004","article-title":"Motor training of the lumbar paraspinal muscles induces immediate changes in motor coordination in patients with recurrent low back pain","volume":"11","author":"Tsao","year":"2010","journal-title":"J. Pain"},{"key":"ref_50","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"112","DOI":"10.1080\/00140139.2015.1052570","article-title":"Effects of seated lumbar extension postures on spinal height and lumbar range of motion during prolonged sitting","volume":"59","author":"Phimphasak","year":"2016","journal-title":"Ergonomics"}],"container-title":["International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1660-4601\/20\/4\/3742\/pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,10]],"date-time":"2025-10-10T18:37:15Z","timestamp":1760121435000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1660-4601\/20\/4\/3742"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023,2,20]]},"references-count":50,"journal-issue":{"issue":"4","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2023,2]]}},"alternative-id":["ijerph20043742"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ijerph20043742","relation":{},"ISSN":["1660-4601"],"issn-type":[{"value":"1660-4601","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2023,2,20]]}}}