Effect of Togu-exercise on Lumbar Back Strength of Women with Chronic Low Back Pain

[Purpose] The present study analyzed the effect of the Togu exercise program on thelumbar back strength of middle-aged women who did not perform regular exercise, andpresents an effective exercise method for middle-aged women with chronic low back painsymptom. [Subjects] The subjects were 16 women with chronic low back pain attending NUniversity, Chungcheong-do, Korea. [Methods] Height, weight, body fat, and body mass index(BMI) were measured using a body composition analyzer (Inbody 720, Biospace, Korea), whichutilizes bioelectrical impedance analysis. Using isokinetic lumbar muscle strengthmeasurement equipment [Isomed 2000, Back system, (Germany)], peak torque/body weight,total work and average power of flexion and extension of the lumbar region were measured.For lumbar stabilization exercises, an air cushion (Germany), jumper (Germany), and aerostep (Germany) were employed. First, warm-up exercise was conducted for 10 minutes,followed by 10 sets of the 3 main exercises using the above tools with 10-second restintervals. The main exercise was done for 40 minutes in total. [Results] The paired samplet-test showed significant in the Togu exercise group peak torque of flexion, peak torqueof extension, total work of flexion, total work of extension, average power of flexion,average power of extension, after the exercise showed a significant difference in the Toguexercise group. [Conclusion] The trunk muscle actiation program for middle-aged women hada significant effect on muscle strength and low back pain. Therefore the trunk muscleactivation program is effective at increasing muscular strength of middle-aged women, andthe results suggest improve muscle strength is effectively stabilizaties the lumbarregion.Key words: Isokinetic, Lumbar stabilization, Togu