Changes in craniocervical and trunk flexion angles and gluteal pressure during VDT work with continuous cross-legged sitting.

OBJECTIVES This study investigated changes in craniocervical and trunk flexion angles and gluteal pressure on both sides during visual display terminal (VDT) work with continuous cross-legged sitting. METHODS The gluteal pressures of ten VDT workers, who were recruited from laboratories, were measured using a Teckscan system and videotaped using a single video camera to capture the craniocervical and trunk flexion angles during VDT work at 30 s, 10, 20 and 30 min. RESULTS The craniocervical angle was significantly increased at 10 and 20 min compared with the initial angle (p<0.05). The trunk flexion angle was significantly decreased at 30 s, 10, 20 and 30 min (p<0.05). The gluteal pressure of the crossed-leg side significantly increased at 30 s, 10 and 20 min (p<0.05). The gluteal pressure of the uncrossed-leg side significantly decreased at 30 s (p<0.05). CONCLUSION We found that cross-legged sitting during VDT work may exert disadvantageous postural effects resulting from craniocervical and trunk flexion angles and gluteal pressure. Therefore, this posture could not be recommended during long-term VDT work.