Development and Evaluation of a Coir-Fiber-Based Lumbar Support Pillow Incorporating Acupoint Stimulation for Sedentary Individuals with Low Back Pain

Abstract

Low back pain is a prevalent issue among sedentary individuals due to prolonged sitting postures, often leading to physical discomfort and psychological distress. This study proposes a coir-fiber-based lumbar support pillow (CLP) incorporating traditional Chinese medicine acupoint massage principles to alleviate low back pain in sedentary individuals. The CLP was designed based on human-machine interaction parameters and acupoint locations, integrating coir-fiber-based massage balls (CMBs) to optimize acupoint stimulation. A user evaluation involving 20 participants assessed acupoint stimulation, elastic modulus distribution, and physiotherapy effects. Results demonstrated that the stimulation pressure varied significantly depending on acupoint location, with the right lumbar side 16.57% higher than the left and lower lumbar acupoints 67.45% higher than upper ones. Elastic modulus tests showed a positive correlation with stimulation levels, confirming that CMBs provide effective acupoint stimulation. Physiotherapy tests indicated significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR), with respective decreases of 9.8%, 7.2%, and 37.4%. Additionally, the use of CLP led to notable reductions in fatigue (VAS) and anxiety (STAI). The CLP successfully integrated acupoint massage principles, demonstrating effective lumbar support and physiotherapy benefits. The combination of coir fiber elasticity and acupoint stimulation improved comfort, reduced back fatigue, and enhanced circulation. These findings suggest the potential of coir fiber-based products incorporating traditional Chinese medicine in mitigating sedentary-related discomfort.