Association between telecommuting environment and low back pain among Japanese telecommuting workers: A cross-sectional study

Matsugaki, R.; Muramatsu, K.; Tateishi, S.; Nagata, T.; Tsuji, M.; Hino, A.; Ikegami, K.; Fujino, Y.; Matsuda, S.

Objectives: We evaluated the relationship between telecommuting environment and low back pain (LBP) among desk-based workers in Japan. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 3,663 desk-based, telecommuting workers. LBP was assessed using a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale. The telecommuting environment was evaluated using subjective questions. Mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was used. Results: Mixed-effects logistic model results revealed that not having a place or room to concentrate on work, desk not well-lit enough for work, not having enough space on the desk to work, not having enough legroom, and not having comfortable temperature and humidity conditions in the workspace were significantly associated with higher odds of LBP. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that telecommuting environment is associated with the prevalence of LBP.