Effects of a single session of occupational sitting on neck muscle fatigue and head stabilization strategies during walking at different speeds in sedentary individuals.

backgroundProlonged occupational sitting can induce fatigue in neck muscles, disrupting proprioceptive function and vestibular integration, thereby compromising neuromuscular coordination. These impairments may alter balance control mechanisms and shift inter-segmental stabilization strategies during walking, especially under varying gait demands.

objectivesThis study examined the acute effects of sedentary occupational activity on head stabilization strategies at different walking speeds, with a focus on neck muscle fatigue.

methodsHead stabilization strategies were evaluated in twenty-two healthy young men. The Anchoring Index (AI) was used to quantify head stabilization in the Pitch, Roll, and Yaw axes during walking at various speeds. Assessments were conducted for the experimental group before and after an 8-hour period of sustained sitting, and for the control group in the morning and evening on a non-working day. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26, with the significance level set at p < 0.05.

resultsFollowing a single session of prolonged sitting, a significant decrease in AI was observed, particularly in the Roll and Yaw axes at slow speed, and in the Yaw axis at a comfortable speed. Conversely, AI values increased in the Roll and Yaw axes at higher walking speeds, suggesting a compensatory change in stabilization strategy.

conclusionProlonged occupational sitting sufficient to induce neck muscle fatigue leads to measurable changes in head stabilization during gait, characterized by a shift toward a head-on-trunk strategy, particularly at slower walking speeds. These findings suggest an immediate compensatory response related to altered cervical proprioception.