Assessment of dynamic and static balance among office workers

Balance is a general term that defines the dynamics of body posture to prevent falls. Simple changes in posture can have a positive effect on individuals who have spent most of their days sitting down. The aim of this study is to provide some scientific data in order to develop work efficiency and ergonomic environment for the office population. Our study involved 60 participants, divided into two groups as office workers (n=30 ; mean age: 31,33±3,07 yrs ; 17 female ; sitting duration: 6,40±1,22 h), and active workers (n=30 ; mean age 33,37±6,26 yrs; 10 female ; sitting duration: 3,83±0,99 h). To assess the quality of life, Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire was used, while Balance Error Scoring system (BESS) was used to assess static balance and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) for dynamic balance. Physcal Function scores were 77,59±13,08 for the experiment group and 85,55±13,50 for the control group and a significant difference was found between groups (t=-2,319, p<0,05). Pain scores were 60,17±22,21 for the experiment group and 74,50±20,80 for the control group and a significant difference was found between groups (t=-2,580, p<0,05). Mental Health scores were 66,00±18,55 for the experiment group and 75,07±13,88 for the control group and there was a significant difference between groups (t=-2,143, p<0,05). General Health scores were 50,50±28,05 for the experiment group and 61,17±20,91 for the control group and significant difference was found between groups (t=-2,674, p<0,05). Physical Component Summary values in the experiment group was 66,75±16,67 while in the control group was 76,40±14,64; and the difference was found to be significant (t=-2,383, p<0,05). No significant differences found in terms of dynamic and static balance between groups.