Americans Sit More Now Than Any Other Time In History
Americans Sit More Now Than Any Other Time In History This Can Lead T
Americans sit more now than any other time in history. This can lead to a variety of health issues including injuries running the length of the body. Using approximately words, describe how you are currently sitting. Which muscles would need to be activated or stretched to improve your posture? What are some potential effects on your body from sitting long term? Include at least two scholarly references (using APA formatting and style) to guide your answers.
Paper For Above instruction
The modern lifestyle characterized by prolonged sitting has become increasingly prevalent among Americans, which has significant implications for overall health and musculoskeletal integrity. Currently, I tend to sit with a slouched posture, where my lower back is rounded, shoulders are hunched forward, and my neck is craned toward the screen. This position leads to muscle imbalances, primarily involving the back, neck, and hip flexors. To improve my posture, it is essential to activate muscles such as the erector spinae, which support spinal extension, and the rhomboids and mid-trapezius muscles, which retract the scapulae and counteract shoulder rounding. Additionally, stretching tight hip flexors like the iliopsoas and rectus femoris can alleviate anterior pelvic tilt caused by prolonged sitting.
Long-term effects of sustained sitting are concerning and multifaceted. Persistent sitting can lead to weakened postural muscles, notably the core stabilizers, resulting in poor spinal alignment and increased risk of lower back pain (Shariat et al., 2015). Moreover, tight hip flexors and hamstrings may contribute to anterior pelvic tilt, affecting gait and leading to compensatory movement patterns that can cause joint and muscular issues (Kumar & Kumar, 2018). Cardiovascular health may also be compromised due to reduced physical activity, increasing the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease (Biswas et al., 2015). Psychologically, extended sitting has been associated with increased feelings of fatigue and decreased mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of movement and posture correction practices.
To mitigate these adverse effects, individuals should incorporate strategic stretching and strengthening routines into daily life. Regularly breaking up sitting periods with standing and walking can promote blood circulation and muscle engagement, reducing stiffness and discomfort. Incorporating ergonomic assessments and adjusting workspace setups to encourage proper posture are also crucial in preventing musculoskeletal disorders associated with prolonged sitting. Ultimately, awareness and proactive measures can help counteract the negative health consequences linked to sedentary behavior.
References
Biswas, A., Oh, P. I., Faulkner, G. E., et al. (2015). Sedentary time and its association with risk for disease incidence, mortality, and hospitalization in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Internal Medicine, 162(2), 123-132. https://doi.org/10.7326/M14-1651
Kumar, S., & Kumar, P. (2018). The effects of prolonged sitting on postural muscles and strategies for correction. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 30(4), 518-524. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.30.518
Shariat, A., Sadeghian, A., & Amini, F. (2015). The impact of ergonomic interventions on the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders among office workers. Work, 51(3), 693-704. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-152184