Floor Sitting Study

Beth Pyatak40 enrolled

Overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the impact of different sitting environments on general well-being and movement patterns in healthy young adults aged 18-35. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does floor sitting lead to increased movement and postural changes compared to chair sitting? Over a month-long period, how does sustained floor sitting influence overall well-being, posture, and movement habits? Researchers will compare the effects of chair sitting and floor sitting in a controlled lab environment (Aim 1) and observe the longer-term effects of habitual floor sitting in participants natural environments (Aim 2) to see if consistent floor sitting promotes more dynamic movement and comfort. Participants will: Undergo two 30-minute experimental sitting sessions, one in a chair and the other on the floor, while engaging in typical desk activities (Aim 1). Participate in a month-long study where they integrate an hour of floor sitting into their daily routines, recording their experiences and any changes in sitting habits through daily diaries and in-depth interview (Aim 2).

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Well-being/Quality of Life Posture

Interventions

Chair Sitting (30 minutes)BEHAVIORAL

This intervention involves a single session of chair sitting for 30 minutes, where participants will sit in a standardized non-swivel chair and perform desk-based activities like computer use.

Floor Sitting (30 minutes)BEHAVIORAL

This intervention entails a single session of floor sitting for 30 minutes, with participants seated on a cushioned mat performing similar desk activities as in the chair sitting session.

Daily Floor Sitting Practice (1 month)BEHAVIORAL

Participants will be instructed to incorporate at least one hour of floor sitting into their daily routine for a duration of one month.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 35 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * age 18-35 years * English-speaking * willing and able to complete study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Any injuries or conditions that would limit participants from sitting on the floor in a safe manner, mental states that would preclude the complete understanding of the protocol and compliance, and prior knowledge of the study hypotheses, as it may potentially influence participant behavior and compromise the integrity of the study.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Changes in Movement Patterns via Accelerometry

Measurement of movement patterns using accelerometry to assess changes in physical activity levels and subtle movements, including frequency, intensity, and duration of movements during different sitting interventions (chair vs. floor sitting).

Time frame: Recorded continuously during each 30-minute sitting session; analysis will compare aggregate data from the two sessions.

Variations in Sitting Posture Captured by Video Analysis

Utilization of video recordings to analyze and quantify postural changes during sitting sessions. This will involve evaluating variations in posture, such as shifts from upright to slouched positions, and identifying the frequency and diversity of postural transitions during each session.

Time frame: Postural data will be collected throughout the two 30-minute experimental sitting sessions, with comparative analysis conducted post-intervention.